Are you ready to shape how data, technology and systems power the future of rail? We’re seeking a General Manager – Data, IT & Systems to join our Commercial leadership team, based at our Head Office in London Bridge (hybrid working – 3 days on site). As Southern continues its journey towards Great British Railways, this role sits at the heart of our transformation, ensuring our technology, systems and data enable a modern, resilient and insight‑driven railway for the communities we serve.
What you’ll do
In this role, your purpose is clear: to lead Southern’s Data, IT and Systems capability so that technology and insight enable a thriving, modern railway.
You’ll provide senior leadership across IT services, specialist railway systems and data & analytics, ensuring our technology estate is available, resilient, secure and aligned to the future state of rail.
You’ll shape and deliver the strategy for how we manage information, systems and insight across a 24/7 operational environment, turning complex operational and commercial data into clear, actionable intelligence that informs decision‑making at every level.
Working closely with the Commercial & Digital Director, Executive colleagues and Great British Railways, you’ll help define industry data standards, influence national programmes, and ensure Southern plays a leading role in how data and technology support integrated rail.
This is a role for someone who can set vision, prioritise ruthlessly, and lead with clarity, balancing operational resilience with innovation, and day‑to‑day delivery with long‑term transformation.
Experience you’ll need
- You dare to lead – inspiring senior leadership comes naturally to you
- You are commercially minded – confident negotiating and managing complex technology supplier relationships
- You understand technology – with experience in one or more of – Azure, Power BI, AWS, PRINCE2, Agile PM Scrum, TOGAF, DAMA CDMP, ISO 27001, CISM/CISSP (or equivalent experience)
- You are a natural data storyteller – making insight clear, compelling and impossible to ignore
- You are a strategic business partner – trusted by executives and senior external stakeholders
- You are a visionary leader – able to set clear roadmaps and focus effort on what matters most
- You bring relevant experience or qualifications in IT, data, computer science or a related field
- You understand service management and resilience – ITIL experience is essential
- Railway experience is desirable, but not essential
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Benefits
- Final salary pension
- 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays)
- Free rail travel across our networks
Meaning you can feel secure in your career as well as fulfilled by your work.
Other important information
This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre‑employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role. If you applied but weren’t successful in getting a similar role at Southern, please wait six months before applying again.
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