As part of the major investment planned in the country’s rail network to support productivity, growth and decarbonisation, the Major Rail Projects Group within the Department for Transport sponsors the development and delivery of both High Speed Two and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) – two of the country’s largest projects. In addition to project delivery, we also need to ensure coherence of the resulting train services and seek to maximise the benefits of the major investments contemplated.
NPR is a large and critical major project (please see more details overleaf). Our directorate is currently led by a team of four Deputy Directors, each of whom have responsibility for taking forward key parts of the programme. The exact portfolio for this role may change after the Spending Review, in line with Ministerial priorities. But it is likely to include elements of policy development, network planning and project sponsorship.
You will lead a small and talented team of policy and project delivery experts working closely with Ministers, legal advisers, analysts, commercial and finance experts, and Network Rail and HS2 Ltd to develop and take forward the programme and manage its interfaces.
This role is available to individuals who wish to be spending their office time in London, Leeds or Birmingham, and we would expect the individual to be willing to travel to visit different locations relevant to the work on a regular basis.
You will be a high-performing, dynamic individual, who wishes to have an impact by drawing on, and building, the talent and skills around you. This role – working on one of Europe’s largest transport projects and future strategic studies – offers unique opportunities to expand your experiences and skills.
The exact portfolio of this role will be confirmed after the Spending Review, taking account of ministerial priorities. It is likely to involve a combination of one or more of the following: sponsoring the development of part of the NPR network; developing future policy and network strategy; and developing the evidence base for NPR and other decisions.
You will be a self-starter able to set the agenda and put structure on ambiguity. You will have strong interpersonal skills that enable you to form effective working relationships within the team and across organisational boundaries. You will have a strong interest in understanding the communities and stakeholders impacted by Northern Powerhouse Rail and other programmes and will be experienced in project management. And you will be keen to learn and build knowledge and skills – both for yourself and across the team.
Key responsibilities:
* Lead a small and dynamic team within the Northern Powerhouse Rail and Network Planning Directorate to:
* Work with analysts and experts to develop the business case and weigh up evidence and options for NPR and rail network development, considering the key quantitative impacts of the options as well any other qualitative evidence.
* Ensure interfaces between your division’s work and the current rail network, as well as your colleagues’ planned infrastructure, are well managed. This includes ensuring that plans are developed with, and supported by, Network Rail and HS2 Ltd.
* Use project management tools to drive delivery of your own projects, whilst managing interdependencies with other programmes.
* Work with colleagues to set the strategic direction of the rail portfolio, working through trade-offs and securing agreement of funding.
* Sponsor the delivery of Network Rail or HS2 Ltd projects.
* Form part of the senior leadership of the NPR and Network Planning directorate.
* Operate as an effective part of the wider Major Rail Projects Group SCS leadership team by helping to drive forward staff engagement and build a culture of excellence and welcome.
* Effectively sponsor the work of our Arms Length Bodies who will design and deliver this scheme.
* Be a champion for effective analysis and policy development in a project delivery context within the Group and, as appropriate, the wider Department.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .