At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of CrossCountry to Great British Railways, managing multiple workstreams.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a forward-thinking company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until November 2027 with competitive salary and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and collaboration across various sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK rail industry during a significant transition period.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading multi-stakeholder programmes and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Transition Programme Manager on a fixed-term contract until November 2027 to lead the programme of work supporting the transfer of CrossCountry to Great British Railways, anticipated in October 2027.
Principal Accountabilities
- Establishment of Requirements: To work with Directors and business leads to compile and maintain a clear record of requirements and assumptions for the programme.
- Mobilisation of the Programme: Establish separate programme plans across the workstreams (Compliance; Procurement; IT; HR; Finance; Fleet/Engineering; Commercial; and Communications). Within each workstream, ensure risks are identified and sufficiently mitigated within the workstream plan, and that there is a clear RACI. Work with workstream sponsors and leads to identify resource requirements and progress this through internal governance.
- Delivery of the Programme: Manage the implementation of the eight workstreams. Lead on internal and external reporting on the progress of the eight workstreams. Ensure future cost projections are understood and included in future business planning and reporting cycles. Lead the preparation of responses to any shareholder or client data requests throughout the programme. Attend Great British Railways cross-industry working groups, providing the business with insight on Great British Railways objectives and opportunities for cross-industry efficiency. Lead the planning and delivery of change management activities to support transition to GBR, ensuring stakeholder engagement, clear communications, and adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working.
Essential Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training
- Experience of leading multi‑stakeholder programmes involving government, regulators, and private‑sector partners.
- Strong organisational design and change readiness experience, including transition‑state planning and post‑implementation review.
- Advanced risk management capability, including identification, mitigation planning, and cross‑workstream dependency mapping.
- Exceptional facilitation skills, enabling productive workshops with senior stakeholders, technical teams, and external partners.
- High‑level analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues.
- High proficiency in programme tools and environments, such as P3M frameworks and enterprise project portfolio systems.
- Resilience and adaptability, especially under conditions of uncertainty, competing priorities, and evolving national policy direction.
- Proactive problem‑solver, who anticipates risks and identifies innovative, pragmatic solutions.
- High integrity and discretion, essential for a role with significant confidentiality and strategic sensitivity.
Desirable
- Understanding of UK rail industry governance structures, including contractual, operational and regulatory frameworks (e.g. DfT, GBR, ORR).
Diversity & Inclusion
At CrossCountry, we believe our people should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t just part of our strategy — it’s central to our success. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to be their best.
Transition Programme Manager employer: Arriva Group
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives while benefiting from comprehensive professional development opportunities. Located at the heart of the UK rail industry, this role provides a chance to lead transformative projects that shape the future of rail travel, all within a supportive culture that values integrity and resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transition Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Transition Programme Manager at Arriva Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Arriva Group or be willing to refer you for that Transition Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Arriva Group who’s on the lookout for their next Transition Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Transition Programme Manager role at Arriva Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Transition Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Arriva Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Arriva Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
