At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major rail transformation programme and coordinate cross-functional teams.
- Company: Cedar, a leader in rail and transport sector innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail transport and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale transport programmes and managing stakeholders.
Cedar are seeking an experienced Programme Lead to oversee our involvement in a major rail transformation programme. This strategic role will coordinate organisational readiness, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and ensure the successful integration of programme outcomes across the business.
Working across engineering, operations, commercial, and corporate functions, you will provide leadership throughout the programme lifecycle, ensuring effective governance, risk management, and delivery against business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the organisation's contribution to a major transformation programme, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Coordinate cross-functional delivery across engineering, operations, commercial, finance, and support teams.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, suppliers, and key external stakeholders.
- Establish robust programme governance, reporting, and risk management processes.
- Manage programme budgets, commercial activities, and resource planning.
- Ensure organisational readiness for programme implementation, including operational, technical, and business change activities.
- Promote a culture of safety, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
About You
You'll be an experienced programme leader with a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects within the rail or wider transport sector.
Essential
- Proven experience leading large-scale rail, infrastructure, engineering, or transport programmes.
- Strong understanding of operational environments and programme delivery.
- Experience managing senior stakeholders and working across complex organisations.
- Excellent governance, risk management, and communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience of fleet modernisation, infrastructure enhancement, or major operational change programmes.
- Knowledge of programme mobilisation, organisational readiness, or business transformation.
- Experience working with industry partners, suppliers, and public sector stakeholders.
- Commercial or contract management experience.
Programme Lead employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Cedar.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Cedar. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Cedar, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Cedar and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Cedar. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Cedar.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Cedar.
