At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the HS2 project, ensuring successful delivery and integration of major rail infrastructure.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, shaping the future of UK transport and connectivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fast-paced, innovative work environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while working on one of the UK's most significant projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sponsoring large-scale projects; commercial savvy and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds; applications close on 4 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, London or Leeds
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to this link until the closing date of 23:55 on Friday 4 July 2025.
At the Department for Transport (DfT) we’re working to improve every kind of journey. We’re harnessing new technology to create safer, more sustainable transport and, by creating better connections between people and places, we’re enabling greater growth opportunities for communities UK-wide. Our Major Rail Projects Group is responsible for the development and delivery of benefits from long term investment in strategic rail infrastructure. That encompasses HS2 between Birmingham and London, the Euston Project, and Northern Powerhouse Rail linking our northern cities. Once delivered these will join up our biggest cities fostering connectivity and faster growth.
The role: The Director of HS2 Delivery is responsible for sponsoring HS2 Ltd in the construction, systems integration, testing and handover of HS2 between Euston and the West Midlands. Leading a talented team of 30 you will:
- Work with HS2 Ltd to reset HS2 by developing and agreeing revised cost and schedule ranges;
- Sponsor completion of the remaining civil works between London and Birmingham by HS2 Ltd and its suppliers including the stations at Curzon Street, Old Oak Common and Solihull Interchange;
- Sponsor mobilisation and delivery of the set of heavy and light systems contracts and rolling stock;
- Foster early commercial and residential development around our stations working with local government partners and investors.
You will need to work closely with HS2 Ltd to provide both support and independent, constructive challenge and will also need to engage effectively across government to secure approval for the reset schedule and cost ranges and an updated business case.
About you: We are open to a range of backgrounds for this role but the successful candidate will need to bring proven experience of sponsoring – as distinct from direct delivery - very large-scale projects including securing and sustaining support; defining scope; obtaining funding, setting delivery targets on cost and schedule; and monitoring, challenging and supporting delivery. This need not be in a rail or public sector context. You will need to be commercially savvy, able to drive results from third parties, with the personal impact, credibility, and sensitivity to deliver results across organisational boundaries using soft power, influencing and contractual obligations where necessary, whilst always keeping the need for delivery to be collective endeavour front of mind.
The scrutiny and challenges attached to this programme means we also need an excellent leader of people who can inspire, develop and motivate their own team, whilst also contributing to a wider senior leadership team, providing support and challenge to colleagues in a complex operating environment. DfT is fast paced, innovative and unique in the breadth of work we lead, making DfT a truly exciting and rewarding place to work and progress your career. Our work has a direct impact on communities, connects people and places and contributes to driving prosperity.
To find out more about this exciting role, one of the most demanding and developmental Director roles in Government, and to apply, please click Apply. For a confidential discussion, including about any accessibility needs, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson: Applications must be received by 23:55 on Friday 4 July 2025.
The Civil Service is committed to becoming the most inclusive employer in the UK. We are committed to understanding, respecting and representing as broad a range of views and backgrounds as we have in UK society. We know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, modern Civil Service.
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Business Development
Industries: Government Administration and Government Relations Services
Director of HS2 Delivery, Major Rail Projects Group employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of HS2 Delivery, Major Rail Projects Group
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the rail and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet people who are already working on major projects like HS2. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments and challenges surrounding HS2 and similar large-scale projects. Understanding the current landscape will allow you to engage in informed discussions and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting past experiences where you've successfully led teams through complex projects. Be prepared to discuss how you inspired and motivated your team, as this is crucial for the Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Department for Transport's strategic goals and how they align with the HS2 project. Being able to articulate how your vision and experience can contribute to their objectives will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of HS2 Delivery, Major Rail Projects Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sponsoring large-scale projects. Focus on your ability to secure support, define project scope, and monitor delivery targets, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your leadership skills and experience in managing teams. Discuss how you can inspire and motivate others while navigating complex environments, which is crucial for this position.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed stakeholders and delivered results. Highlight any experience with infrastructure projects or similar sectors, even if not directly in rail or public service.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your application presents a professional image that reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Understand the Project Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the HS2 project and its significance in the UK transport infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the project's goals and challenges, particularly in terms of sponsorship and stakeholder engagement.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Director, showcasing your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in previous roles, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration across different departments.
✨Showcase Commercial Acumen
The role requires a strong understanding of commercial dynamics. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven results from third parties and managed contractual obligations. Use specific examples to illustrate your commercial savvy.
✨Prepare for Challenging Questions
Given the scrutiny associated with HS2, expect tough questions about risk management and project delivery. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.