At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major transport and infrastructure programmes from concept to business case approval.
- Company: Leading consultancy delivering major transport and light rail programmes across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape impactful projects and work with a collaborative team.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for meaningful impact and career growth.
- Why this job: Drive integration and performance on nationally significant transport programmes.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in programme leadership within transport or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Neo Recruitment is supporting a leading consultancy delivering major transport, light rail and infrastructure programmes across the UK and Ireland. As part of their continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, multi-disciplinary programmes from early-stage development through to business case approval.
This role is ideal for senior leaders with a background in light rail, mass transit, rail, metro or major transport systems, who excel in shaping programmes, integrating diverse workstreams and navigating public-sector governance.
About the Role
As Senior Programme Director, you will provide strategic leadership across major transport and infrastructure programmes, ensuring technical, planning, commercial and operational workstreams are aligned to programme objectives and investment requirements. A core part of the role involves guiding programmes through early-stage development, including:
- Programme definition and structuring
- Option development and appraisal
- Strategic alignment and investment planning
- HM Treasury Green Book and Five Case Model business case development
- Governance, assurance and approval processes
You will also step into priority areas to provide clarity, pace and hands-on leadership where required.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead major transport and infrastructure programmes from concept to business case approval
- Integrate engineering, planning, commercial and operational readiness activities
- Maintain a single, integrated programme view with clear dependencies and critical path management
- Oversee multidisciplinary consultancy teams and delivery partners
- Establish robust programme controls, including schedule, risk, cost and performance reporting
- Ensure alignment with Green Book guidance, Five Case Model and public-sector investment frameworks
- Support governance, assurance and key decision-making processes
- Provide hands-on leadership to shape emerging work, resolve issues and accelerate progress
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across public and private sectors
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
- Extensive programme leadership experience in major transport or major infrastructure
- Strong background in light rail, tram, metro, mass transit or rail
- Proven experience in early-stage programme development
- Demonstrable experience of Green Book-aligned business case development
- Experience working within consultancy environments or integrated delivery models
- Strong understanding of public-sector governance, assurance and investment processes
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional integrator with strong systems thinking
- Able to operate at both strategic and hands-on delivery levels
- Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity and evolving priorities
- Excellent communicator and influencer across political and stakeholder environments
- High standards of delivery, performance insight and programme discipline
Desirable
- Experience in UK transport business case development
- Experience across both client-side and consultancy roles
- Based in, or able to travel regularly to, major UK or Irish cities
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to shape major transport and light rail programmes at their most influential stage — from concept through to investment approval. You will work at the forefront of nationally significant programmes, with the autonomy to drive integration, performance and strategic direction. You’ll join a consultancy that values leadership, collaboration and innovation, offering a platform to make a meaningful impact across multiple high-profile programmes.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced programme leader with a strong background in light rail, mass transit or major transport infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV via the contact form.
Senior Programme Manager - Rail employer: Neo Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading consultancy that is at the forefront of delivering major transport and infrastructure programmes across the UK and Ireland. As a Senior Programme Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises leadership and innovation, providing you with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a significant impact on high-profile projects. With a focus on strategic alignment and integration, this role offers the chance to shape the future of transport systems in a dynamic environment that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager - Rail
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager - Rail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Neo Recruitment Ltd, 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 Neo Recruitment Ltd 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 Neo Recruitment Ltd. 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 Neo Recruitment Ltd
✨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 Neo Recruitment Ltd.
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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 Neo Recruitment Ltd.
