Lead Research Analyst

The post holder is responsible for providing analytical leadership within the Research directorate. The role covers a broad range of tasks to maximise the value that the RSSB Research Programme delivers to GB rail.

The role will ensure research is scoped to high standards, steered during delivery to make the most of emerging findings, and communicated through its life cycle to an array of stakeholders.

Either directly or via other less experienced analysts, the post holder will lead the specification of research and steer the delivery and landing of research outputs. These activities need to be based on sound scientific methods, strong benefits and implementation thinking and deep understanding of internal and external stakeholders' needs.

Responsibilities

The specific tasks of the role will be determined by the Head of Research Delivery, taking into consideration the needs of the Research portfolio and team at the time. They will be based on the responsibilities listed below.

High quality analytical and stakeholder input into research projects and programmes

Scoping:

• Lead the RSSB review and assessment of research requests, engaging with the idea proposer and wider stakeholders (including technical subject matter experts and key industry decision makers). This will include preparing Idea Development Meetings (IDMs) to review proposed research, then reviewing and communicating the outcomes of those discussions.
• Lead a hybrid team of RSSB and external industry experts to develop the Case for Research (including quantified cost benefit analysis and implementation plan) and Research Specification which clearly capture what the project is expected to deliver, its route to making a difference, and its value.
• Ensure that the above, and the support governance documentation, is produced in a timely way so that valuable research is progressed promptly making full use of available budget and meeting stakeholders' expectations.

Procurement and Delivery:

• Ensure the smooth transition and handover to the assigned Project Manager.
• Appropriately support the tender review process including ensuring a strong panel for tender review is identified.
• Attend and present at steering group meetings in the role of analytical advisor. Steering the research to ensure the expected benefits and implementation pathways are reviewed and strengthened as research outputs take shape.
• Review draft and final outputs from research projects for quality purposes and to ensure key findings are clearly identified.

Dissemination:

• Draft compelling summary materials for completed research that contribute to significant outputs landing and being used by industry.
• Review expected benefits, cost and implementation pathway(s) at completion of research, enabling RSSB to report to funder(s) and encourage take-up of findings and outputs.

Implementation:

• Use industry contacts to identify opportunities for implementation of completed research.
• Provide support to the monitoring of research implementation.

Knowledge Activities:

• Steer the production, review and dissemination of Knowledge Searches on a broad range of subjects, making best use of range of deliverables (reports, presentations, summaries) that effectively communicate key findings and conclusions from the intelligence gathering and analysis activities conducted.

Programme and Portfolio Management:

• Contribute to the future research pipeline, and associated stakeholder management activities.
• Work with the senior research management team to identify opportunities to improve and update processes.
• Contribute towards, and take the lead on elements of, the development of the overall approach to evaluation, prioritisation and structuring of research, keeping the processes, tools and methods under review for quality and adequacy, and ensuring a consistent, flexible and proportionate approach.

Line Management:

• Undertake line management, acting as a role model and being responsible for staff development and other management activities in line with RSSB policy.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Communicate effectively and share thoughts and ideas through methods appropriate to a wide range of audiences.
• Adapt and respond effectively when embracing new opportunities, changes, and in navigating uncertainty.
• Actively contribute as part of a team and work towards achieving team goals and outcomes.
• Take responsibility and demonstrate accountability in completing tasks and achieving objectives to set deadlines, actively seeking to resolve problems and identify opportunities.
• Committed to customer service and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of our success to ensure we deliver against our shared goals.
• Can work collaboratively within an evolving industry, gaining stakeholder confidence through understanding their goals and motivations and demonstrating credibility as an expert.
• Make timely, informed decisions taking account of the benefits and constraints involved.
• Educated to a degree level qualification.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor to different audiences.
• Experience in gathering, structuring, and analysing both qualitative and quantitative intelligence.
• Experience in structuring research, in assessing its expected and delivered benefits, and in helping to bridge the gap between completion of research and benefit realisation.
• Experience of quickly understanding new concepts including of a technical or engineering nature.
• Experience of line management and leading teams.
• Track record of building good working relationships and influencing multiple stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation

Desirable

• Good understanding of the GB rail landscape

Initial interviews are expected to take place from mid November, with final interviews and assessments due to be concluded in early December.

We are committed to investing in our staff and offer formal and informal learning opportunities for development.

We value diversity and equal opportunities in employment and are committed to creating a workplace which is inclusive to everyone. As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we encourage candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria, to apply for our jobs. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know in advance by emailing Find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at RSSB: Rail Safety and Standards Board Careers - VERCIDA

If you require any reasonable adjustments with respect to our selection process including information in an alternative format, please contact us at

We understand the importance of work-life balance and we offer our staff the flexibility to work within our core hours and the option to vary their location between both the office and home. If you are looking for further flexibility, speak to us at interview stage so that we can consider your request.

We value our staff and we offer a competitive benefits package to ensure our staff can achieve their best throughout their journey with us. This includes 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays); a holiday buy and sell scheme; private medical and dental cover; a season ticket loan and travel subsidy; access to a cycle to work scheme; volunteer leave; a performance related bonus and pension.