As the rail industry’s independent safety, standards and research body the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) plays a unique role in shaping the future of Great Britain’s railway. We sit at the heart of a complex national system, bringing together operators, infrastructure owners, suppliers and government using evidence, insight, digital products and standards to help the industry operate more safely, efficiently and sustainably.
With a new Business Plan launching this April and the rail industry experiencing reform and rapid change in technology and data we are poised for our next exciting phase of evolution.
We are now seeking a Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) to join the Executive Committee and lead this next chapter shaping how RSSB uses data, technology and product innovation to deliver greater impact, deeper collaboration and lasting value for our members and across the whole rail ecosystem.
About the role
This is a rare and exciting role for a leader who can combine strategic vision, product thinking, technical depth and the ability to unite a complex ecosystem around shared benefit. The CPTO is a strategic leadership role at the heart of RSSB’s mission. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a full member of the Executive Committee, you will shape how RSSB uses its data, insight and technology capabilities to deliver high‑value, widely adopted digital products and services for the rail industry.
As CPTO, you will lead the evolution of RSSB’s entire product and technology portfolio. You will set a clear strategy that integrates product development, data platforms and digital services into a coherent offer that provides practical, evidence‑based value across the network. You will ensure that our products are user‑centred, interoperable and underpinned by modern engineering practices and robust governance.
Collaboration and influence are critical. You will co‑design solutions with members, navigate differing priorities, and build consensus around shared outcomes. You will guide product adoption and real‑world use, helping members integrate solutions into their operations to support better decision‑making, improved safety and enhanced performance.
Internally, you will oversee RSSB’s digital and technology operations, ensuring that platforms are secure, resilient and well‑governed, and that the organisation makes responsible use of emerging technologies, including AI, in the context of a safety‑critical sector.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 50 colleagues across digital and technology disciplines, fostering a modern, high‑performing and inclusive culture. As an Executive Committee member, you will also contribute to the broader corporate leadership of RSSB, shaping organisational strategy, culture and long‑term direction.
What you will bring/Essential Criteria
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:
- Strategic Vision and Outcomes: Proven experience of setting a clear digital or technology vision and translate it into measurable outcomes in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Product, Platform and Integration: Experience leading the development of digital products or platforms, including co-design with users, integration across systems, and driving adoption at scale.
- Technology Operations and Assurance: Sufficient depth of technology leadership to take accountability for resilient, secure and well-governed digital operations, including cyber security, architecture and service continuity.
- Data-Informed Innovation: Strong understanding of how data, analytics and emerging technologies (including AI) can be used to improve insight, decision-making and risk management, working effectively with specialist teams.
- Commercial Judgement and Value: Demonstrated ability to balance innovation with affordability, manage budgets and ensure digital investment delivers clear, measurable value for members or users.
- Influence, Collaboration & Sector Engagement: Credibility and skill in engaging senior leaders, aligning diverse interests and delivering shared outcomes across complex organisational or sector ecosystems.
RSSB is open to considering flexible working arrangements.
As part of the disability confident scheme, RSSB guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
This campaign is being supported by our advising consultants, GatenbySanderson. To arrange an informal confidential discussion please contact: RSSBCPTO@gatenbysanderson.com
For further details and to apply, please click on Apply:
Closing Date: Midday, 27th March 2026