Retail Partnerships Lead

Closing Date for Applications

23rd September 2026 

Salary Range 

£61,091- £82,400

What is the purpose of this job?

Rail Delivery Group is looking for an experienced Retail Partnerships Lead to shape and manage our relationships with the diverse third-party retail market.

This is a senior and influential role with responsibility for building strong strategic partnerships, whilst leading retailer licence management and ensuring that Third Party Retailers are appropriately licensed, accredited and compliant with their commercial and operational obligations. You will be accountable for revenue growth through partnerships, commercial outcomes and the effective management of a diverse and competitive retail market.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

Leading a specialist team, you will set clear direction, establish measurable performance indicators and ensure delivery against agreed commercial and operational objectives. You will also provide expert insight into the third-party retail market and help shape strategies that support the Fares, Ticketing & Retail programme and the future Great British Railways.

You will work closely with third-party retailers, train operators, Department for Transport, the regulator and industry partners to support revenue growth, improve the customer experience and create a thriving retail market that encourages more customers to travel by rail.

We are looking for a commercially-focused individual with strong experience of leading strategic partnerships, who can operate effectively at all levels within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

You will enjoy building trusted senior relationships, leading teams, navigating complex commercial agreements and turning strategic objectives into measurable outcomes. You will be representing the organisation externally and working collaboratively across legal, finance, accreditation, settlement, service delivery, data, programme and digital teams.

We are less interested in ticking every box and more interested in finding someone who can make a positive contribution to our team.

You'll likely bring:

Essential experience and skills

• Strong commercial acumen and a focus on delivering tangible outcomes, including revenue growth and an improved customer experience.
• Proven experience in B2C and B2B partnerships, distribution management, business development or account management.
• Experience of leading complex commercial negotiations and managing complex commercial agreements.
• Demonstrable accountability for commercial outcomes and strategic delivery.
• Experience of establishing robust processes, delivering change and working successfully across organisational boundaries.
• A strong track record of engaging and influencing senior internal and external stakeholders, including government, regulatory and representative bodies.
• Proven experience of cross-functional working to achieve commercial objectives.
• People-management experience and strong leadership skills.
• A customer-focused approach.
• Experience of representing an organisation externally within a complex stakeholder environment.Desirable experience
• Experience of the rail industry.
• An understanding of rail retailing and its commercial framework.
• Experience of developing or implementing new strategies.
• Knowledge of the stakeholder landscape surrounding Rail Delivery Group and the Fares, Ticketing & Retail programme.
• Experience of working through organisational transition.
• Experience of influencing government and regulatory stakeholders.

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% discount on rail travel (for work and leisure), plus international rail discounts
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Two Personal Development Days are granted to employees annually
• Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for commuting costs
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave
• Pension scheme – up to 8.64% employer contribution
• Subsidised Private Medical Insurance (Vitality PPP) and Health Cash Plan (Healthshield)
• Access to our flexible benefits portal - a central hub for accessing retail discounts, shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment perks
• Flexible working arrangements available