We’re partnering with a leading UK Train Operating Company at a pivotal point in its transformation journey.
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most high-profile programmes in the organisation the mobilisation and introduction of a brand-new train fleet. Sitting within Strategic Development, you’ll be at the centre of a complex, business-critical programme that will directly shape operational performance, customer experience, and long-term capability.
You will take ownership of the mobilisation programme end-to-end—ensuring everything is in place when new trains enter service, from infrastructure and engineering readiness through to people, processes, and performance.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Lead the end-to-end mobilisation programme, aligning plans, resources, and priorities across the business
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Coordinate a cross-functional team, bringing together multiple workstreams across operations, engineering, and infrastructure
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Develop and manage a robust, integrated programme plan, with clear milestones and dependencies
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Work closely with manufacturers, suppliers, infrastructure partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure full alignment
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Drive delivery through matrix leadership, influencing workstream leads and maintaining programme momentum
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Identify and manage risks, issues, and change, proactively resolving challenges
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Act as a key escalation point, removing blockers and keeping delivery on track
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Establish strong governance, reporting, and stakeholder communication frameworks
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Support operational and engineering readiness, including depot and infrastructure interfaces
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Embed sustainable change and new ways of working across the organisation
This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with operational detail.
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Proven experience leading complex, high-value programmes within rail or a comparable environment
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Strong background in rolling stock, fleet introduction, or mobilisation/transition programmes
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Understanding of MSA and TSSSA agreements
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Confident operating in a multi-stakeholder, matrix environment
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including senior leadership engagement
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A practical, solutions-focused mindset, able to adapt and navigate complexity
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Ability to bring structure, clarity, and alignment to large-scale programmes
