At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering Battery Electric Train programme to decarbonise rail services and enhance passenger experience.
- Company: Chiltern Railways, a key player in modernising fleet operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport and shape the future of rail.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in rail programmes and strong communication skills.
Role Purpose
Chiltern Railways is playing a key role in a pioneering multi operator Battery Electric Train (BEMU) programme that will help decarbonise rail services, modernise fleet operations, and improve the passenger experience across the network. We are seeking a Programme Lead to represent Chiltern’s interests, coordinate our internal readiness, and ensure seamless integration with the wider cross industry programme. This is a high-profile, strategically important role that sits at the intersection of fleet engineering, operations, commercial strategy, and industry collaboration. You will act as Chiltern’s senior interface to partner operators, Network Rail, rolling stock manufacturers, and government bodies, ensuring our requirements are understood, our risks are managed, and our ambitions are realised.
Key Accountabilities
- Strategic Leadership for Chiltern
- Lead Chiltern Railways’ involvement in the multi operator BEMU programme, shaping our strategic position and ensuring alignment with our long-term fleet and decarbonisation strategy.
- Translate the cross industry programme vision into a clear internal roadmap for Chiltern, covering fleet, depots, operations, commercial, and customer impacts.
- Cross Industry Coordination
- Serve as Chiltern’s primary representative in multi-operator governance forums, technical working groups, and programme boards.
- Ensure Chiltern’s operational, engineering, and commercial requirements are reflected in shared specifications, standards, and decisions.
- Build strong relationships with partner TOCs, Network Rail, manufacturers, and DfT stakeholders.
- Fleet, Infrastructure & Operational Integration
- Oversee the development of Chiltern specific requirements for battery electric rolling stock, charging infrastructure, depot modifications, and operational deployment.
- Coordinate operational readiness activities including driver training, maintenance capability, timetable planning, and safety validation.
- Ensure seamless integration of battery electric operations into Chiltern’s existing service patterns and performance commitments.
- Governance, Assurance & Risk Management
- Establish and lead Chiltern’s internal governance structure for the programme, ensuring clear decision-making and reporting.
- Identify and manage risks, issues, and dependencies affecting Chiltern’s readiness or programme outcomes.
- Provide regular updates to Chiltern’s Executive Team and Board, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
- Commercial & Financial Oversight
- Support procurement and commercial negotiations related to rolling stock, infrastructure, and supporting services.
- Oversee Chiltern’s programme budget, cost forecasts, and funding submissions.
- Ensure value for money and alignment with contractual and regulatory obligations.
- Safety, Sustainability & Innovation
- Champion Chiltern’s safety culture, ensuring all activities meet industry safety and compliance standards.
- Embed sustainability principles across fleet, infrastructure, and operational planning.
- Promote innovation in energy management, passenger experience, and operational efficiency.
Person Specification
You’ll excel in this role if you combine strategic thinking with hands-on programme leadership, and if you’re energised by working across organisational boundaries to deliver something genuinely transformative for the railway.
Essential Experience
- Proven leadership in major fleet, rolling stock, or rail infrastructure programmes.
- Strong understanding of railway operations, engineering, and safety frameworks.
- Demonstrable expertise in programme governance, risk management, and delivery assurance.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills at senior levels.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with alternative traction technologies (battery, hydrogen, hybrid, or electrification).
- Knowledge of depot strategy, fleet introduction, or operational readiness planning.
- Experience working with DfT, Network Rail, or cross industry programme structures.
- Background in fleet procurement or commercial contract management.
What You’ll Bring
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trust across diverse partners.
- Strategic clarity paired with disciplined delivery.
- Confidence in leading technical, operational, and commercial discussions.
- A passion for decarbonisation, innovation, and improving the passenger experience.
- Calm, authoritative leadership in a complex, fast-moving environment.
Programme Lead employer: Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects in the rail industry from our central location at Marylebone Station, London. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, we foster a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, ensuring our employees are equipped to make a meaningful impact on the future of rail transport. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to decarbonising rail services while enhancing the passenger experience.
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 Chiltern Railways.
✨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 Chiltern Railways. 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 Chiltern Railways, 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 Chiltern Railways 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 Chiltern Railways. 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 Chiltern Railways
✨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 Chiltern Railways.
✨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 Chiltern Railways.
