Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key, and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys.
We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From delivering critical infrastructure inspections and maintenance programmes to managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring the safe operation of the railway, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment where you can grow your career and make a real difference.
Location: London Puddle Dock
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £35582.00 (starting from) + Inner London Allowance
We're looking for an experienced Scheme Project Manager to lead the delivery of critical structures inspection, examination, assessment and repair programmes across the Southern Region.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in managing a diverse infrastructure portfolio including Structures, Operational Property Inspections (OPI), Earthworks and ancillary structures . You'll be responsible for delivering projects safely, efficiently and in line with cost, quality and programme targets, ensuring Network Rail continues to meet its regulatory, operational and safety commitments.
Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, contractors and external stakeholders, you'll lead the successful delivery of CEFA and CAFA programmes while supporting the safe and reliable operation of one of the UK's busiest rail networks.
- Lead the safe and successful delivery of CEFA and CAFA inspections, examinations and associated works, ensuring programmes are delivered to agreed time, cost and quality standards.
- Manage enabling works and minor structures repairs, including viaduct maintenance activities, ensuring all works are undertaken safely and in compliance with CDM Regulations.
- Develop practical and effective solutions to support the delivery of complex projects while proactively managing risks and opportunities.
- Monitor project performance, safety, programme delivery and financial outcomes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and operational performance.
- Manage environmental risks and stakeholder concerns, ensuring compliance with Network Rail's Environmental and Sustainability Policies, legislation and ORR guidance.
- Collaborate with teams across Commercial, Finance, Planning, Engineering, Customer Relations and Property functions to establish and maintain robust delivery plans.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders including Transport for London, London Underground, Train Operating Companies, Local Authorities, the Environment Agency, Arch Company and other key partners.
- Chair project and contractor review meetings, providing clear governance, reporting and performance oversight to support informed decision-making.
- Carry out CEFA site safety audits and support investigations in line with Network Rail standards and procedures.
- Support the review and management of Preliminary Reports and Investigation Forms, including Level 1 and Level 2 investigation reports, ensuring findings are submitted to the Designated Competent Person (DCP) within required timescales.
- Coordinate and manage complex track access requirements, supporting both current delivery programmes and future long-term access strategies aligned with operational needs.
- Work closely with Procurement teams to support tender development, remit creation, contractor selection and tender evaluation activities.
- Manage annual CEFA and CAFA budgets and contracts, identifying opportunities to deliver efficiencies and maximise value for money.
- Support the development of team capability by identifying training needs, resource requirements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Establish collaborative working with internal teams and long-term stakeholders to deliver improvement initiatives and drive business performance.
- Develop strong relationships with infrastructure leaseholders and stakeholders, ensuring safe and sustainable access arrangements for inspection, maintenance and repair activities.
- Attend a Network Rail office a minimum of three days per week.
We recognise that valuable skills and experience can be gained through a variety of career paths. If you meet the essential requirements and are excited by the opportunity, we'd encourage you to apply.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
Proven experience delivering projects within a complex environment, including planning, contracting, team leadership and project delivery.
Strong financial and commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, forecasts and project performance.
Demonstrable leadership skills and the ability to motivate, develop and support high-performing teams.
Strong negotiation and commercial management capabilities.
Experience supporting or conducting accident and incident investigations.
A proactive approach to risk management, problem-solving and decision-making.
Membership of, or working towards membership of, the Association for Project Management (APM).
Experience managing ambiguity and competing priorities within a complex project environment.
Demonstrable project safety management experience and knowledge of health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
Understanding of investment processes, governance and project controls.
Knowledge of environmental legislation and sustainability best practice.
Construction Design and Management (CDM) competence.
Experience working within infrastructure, construction or rail environments.
Experience delivering safety-critical projects within a regulated industry.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Scheme Project Manager to lead important infrastructure programmes, work with a wide range of stakeholders and make a direct contribution to the safe, sustainable and reliable performance of Britain's railway.
- Attendance at a Network Rail office is required a minimum of three days per week .
- The role will involve occasional site visits and safety assurance activities.
- You will be required to engage with internal and external stakeholders across a diverse infrastructure portfolio.
- Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and behaviours demonstrating a commitment to safety will form an essential part of the assessment process.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy and sell leave.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% discount on leisure rail travel.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact in your community.
- Carer's leave to support those who matter most.
- Healthcare Scheme.
- GymPass discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Plus much more.
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from, if you've got the skills and the passion, we want you on our team.
We're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.
As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll do our best to adapt the recruitment process and offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. If you require any adjustments, please include details within your application.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail, and you should demonstrate your personal commitment to safety throughout the application process.
All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Any offer of employment is subject to successfully meeting these requirements.
Ready to lead vital infrastructure programmes that keep Britain's railway safe, reliable and moving?
Apply today and join a team that values your expertise, your leadership and your commitment to excellence. Help shape the future of the railway. Deliver projects that matter. Join Network Rail today
