At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic performance engagement programme to boost operational excellence across all teams.
- Company: Join West Midlands Trains, a key player in delivering 1,300 daily train journeys for millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £60,000, free travel, retail discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture change that impacts real lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in communications, with project management skills.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands – London Northwestern and West Midlands Railways.
We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Performance Engagement Programme Manager, on a Full Time Permanent basis, based in Birmingham. The purpose of this role is to lead the design, delivery, and the ongoing development of a high-impact performance engagement programme that embeds operational performance as a shared business priority across all functions and grades.
This role will act as the central point for driving awareness, ownership, and accountability for performance targets—ensuring every colleague understands their contribution to delivering reliable and punctual services. Working collaboratively with both internal stakeholders and external partners, the post holder will champion culture change, provide technical and behavioural guidance, and sustain momentum through regular engagement, consistent branding, and performance storytelling.
The role also includes monitoring impact, evolving materials, and ensuring the programme remains relevant, inclusive, and aligned with wider business objectives long after initial implementation.
Knowledge and Experience
- Educated degree level or equivalent industry experience in communications / marketing or related field to disseminate complex information across various audiences.
- Experience in engagement, communications and culture change programmes.
- Knowledge of rail operations and performance to understand conceptual theories on how to improve.
- Project Management skills and experience.
- Interpersonal skills, able to influence at all levels.
- Excellent levels of written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage a small team.
- Collaborative approach to work.
- Adaptable, proactive and works on own initiative.
- Manages risk and opportunity.
- Able to prioritise tasks in a busy environment and manage workload appropriately.
What are the salary and benefits?
- Salary – Up to £60,000 depending on experience
- Final salary pension – one of the best pension schemes available
- Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company – for you, your partner and any dependent children
- 75% off all other train company travel tickets
- Retail discounts
- Career development opportunities
Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.
Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.
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Performance Engagement Programme Manager [NEW] employer: Abellio
Contact Detail:
Abellio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Engagement Programme Manager [NEW]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the rail industry, particularly the operations and performance metrics that West Midlands Trains focuses on. Understanding the key performance indicators will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of West Midlands Trains or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Performance Engagement Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading engagement and culture change programmes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully influenced teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your project management skills by discussing relevant projects you've managed. Highlight your ability to adapt and prioritise tasks in a busy environment, as this is crucial for the role at West Midlands Trains.
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Engagement Programme Manager [NEW]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Performance Engagement Programme Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in communications, engagement, and project management. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive culture change and performance improvement.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples from your past work that showcase your interpersonal skills, ability to influence, and experience in managing teams or projects related to performance engagement.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abellio
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Performance Engagement Programme Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as leading performance engagement programmes and driving culture change. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the job.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in engagement, communications, and culture change programmes. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar projects or initiatives, particularly in the rail industry or related fields.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires influencing at all levels, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams or stakeholders, and how you navigated challenges to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the company's current performance engagement initiatives, their vision for the future, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.