This is one of the largest and most exciting programme delivery roles in Government.
The successful candidate will be responsible for a £20bn portfolio of investment spending around £1bn per annum. Many of its largest programmes are fully mobilised, in delivery, and have a high proportion of their funding committed.
As part of the portfolio, you will be accountable as Senior Responsible Owner for the TransPennine Route Upgrade. This £11bn programme is in delivery and will transform the rail network in the North of England and the Government has confirmed its full commitment to the programme. Its scale means that it is part of the Government’s Major Project Portfolio – the largest and most complex of the UK’s programmes. As the overall client for the programme, you’ll be a member of the Programme Board alongside senior Executives from the rail industry, including the Managing Directors of the Train Operators and the Network Rail Region. The Board is supplemented by experienced Non-Executive Directors to ensure that track, train and timetabling are fully integrated as is necessary to
delivery passenger and freight outcomes.
The role is part of the Rail Services Group (RSG) within the Department of Transport.
RSG was formed in April 2024 to join up the teams delivering rail infrastructure projects and rail services as part of bringing together track and train, in line with the Government’s long-term vision for the rail sector. The aim is to increase the long-term sustainability of England’s railways, deliver the aspirations of the Plan for Rail and align this with the interests of regional stakeholders – all within the Department’s Spending Review settlement.
As a member of RSG’s Senior Leadership Team, you will also be accountable for the development and management of our industry partnerships and relationships, setting strategic direction and building key senior stakeholder relationships within government and the rail industry. This post reports to the Director General, Rail Services, as one of a team of seven SCS2s.
More broadly, you will work as part of the collective Shadow Great British Railways leadership, comprising DfT, Network Rail and DfT Operator Limited, to make decisions as one united railway in the public interest and in support of the Government’s missions.
This role will oversee a team of Deputy Directors, who are accountable for the setting of strategy for their respective directorates and leading the delivery of high-profile rail infrastructure in the North of England, Wessex and Wales.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Act as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the £11bn TransPennine Route Upgrade, part of the Government’s Major Project Portfolio as one of the largest and most complex of the UK’s programmes.
* Act as SRO for the remaining programmes within the North and West Portfolio, some of which are £Bn+ in their own right.
* Ensure that track, train and timetabling are fully integrated to deliver a fundamental change in industry approach to focus on passenger and freight outcomes and significantly improved schedule/cost performance.
* Oversee and direct the activity of four Deputy Director-led teams, with 50 employees within your direct span of control and c.5,000 employees across the wider programme delivery teams.
* Ensure the smooth running of Rail Services Group playing a wider role as part of the senior leadership team, displaying exemplary values and behaviours and acting as a role model for staff.
* Play a key role in the Department’s rail governance structures, acting as a member or Chair of key investment committees to ensure effective use of public funds in delivering ministerial priorities.
* Contribute towards business efficiency through effective planning and management of business processes, with a focus on continuous improvement.
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