Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage railway projects, ensuring smooth implementation and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Network Rail is transforming the railway across the North of England for better travel experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 75% off leisure travel and season tickets, plus flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on transport while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a degree or equivalent experience are preferred; railway knowledge is a bonus.
- Other info: This role is hybrid, requiring at least 3 days in the office, with a focus on safety.
The predicted salary is between 35582 - 42218 £ per year.
Overview
Role: Associate Sponsor
Company: Network Rail
Location: York or Leeds, GB
Contract Type: 6 months fixed term contract
Office requirement: Hybrid – at least 3 days a week in the office
Salary: £35,582 to £42,218 per annum
Closing date: 9 September 2025
Benefits
75% discount off leisure travel (off-peak and super off-peak) and 75% discount on season tickets.
Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, see the official page.
TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU)
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a programme of activities that is improving the railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield. It spans across the North of England, a 76‑mile route serving 23 stations, crossing bridges and viaducts, tunnels, and level crossings. Proposed improvements aim to deliver a reliable railway with more seats, more services and faster journey times.
Brief Description
Develop an understanding and capability of the sponsor role through shadowing, managing, and supporting projects/programmes funded by government, customer, stakeholder, or multiple funders, where Network Rail assumes a sponsorship role. Drive the development and implementation of specific small/medium sized schemes as directed by the lead sponsor.
Key responsibilities
- Work as part of the sponsor team to manage the development and implementation of specific schemes and work streams as directed by the lead sponsor.
- Support the interests of the funder, customer, or stakeholder where appropriate within Network Rail.
- Actively participate in the remit process; review and comment on client, customer, and stakeholder requirements to test the viability of proposed schemes taking into account value for money, network availability and capacity for future development and whole life cost.
- Under direction, produce investment papers for small/medium sized schemes and support the business case process.
- Provide input to the development of the initial project plan and budget; working with the lead sponsor and project manager to specify how the project will be delivered, expected milestones, and associated timescales, risks, and issues.
- Monitor progress on projects/programmes against agreed budgets, delivery plans and work programmes; challenge delivery partners as appropriate to correct adverse trends.
- Communicate and report project progress status to the lead sponsor, client, customer, and stakeholders against defined and agreed milestones.
- Support the process of quantifying risk associated with the portfolio of projects. Work with the lead sponsor to devise mitigating actions and periodically review recovery progress.
- Participate in negotiations with customers and stakeholders on commercial and contractual terms in accordance with relevant corporate policy and strategy.
- Comply with the requirements of corporate investment regulations, other corporate governance, and the Guide to Railway Investment Projects. Adhere to corporate processes, including those related to finance, legal and corporate affairs.
What you’ll bring
- Experience of dealing with people at all levels
- Ability to communicate and articulate clearly and concisely
- Proven ability to write coherently, conveying report/investment information in a concise manner
- Commercially astute, persuasive, and customer focused
- Influencing and negotiating skills
Desirable
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent
- Knowledge/understanding of the railway industry
- Knowledge/understanding of project environments
- Experience in negotiating contracts
How to Apply
We are an inclusive employer of choice, Disability Confident Leader. We encourage people to work flexibly and welcome applications from everyone. For accessibility support to apply, visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive. If you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact EasternResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
Additional information
- All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. This includes drugs and alcohol testing; a positive result may lead to rescinding the offer.
- Keeping people safe on the railway is a priority; safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. You will be expected to demonstrate personal commitment to safety in your application.
Job function
- Business Development and Sales
Industries
- Rail Transportation
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Sponsor employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Sponsor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme. Understanding the specifics of this project will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Network Rail, especially those in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since the role involves participating in negotiations with customers and stakeholders, being able to showcase your experience or training in this area can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of project management principles. The role requires monitoring progress against budgets and delivery plans, so being able to articulate your knowledge in this area will be crucial during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Sponsor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Associate Sponsor position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially the importance of communication and report writing.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role. Emphasise your ability to communicate clearly, manage projects, and any experience you have in the railway industry or project environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your influencing and negotiating skills, as well as your understanding of stakeholder management.
Highlight Safety Commitment: Since safety is a priority for Network Rail, include a statement in your application that reflects your personal commitment to safety in the workplace. This could be an example of how you've prioritised safety in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Associate Sponsor role entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they relate to the TransPennine Route Upgrade. This will help you articulate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since the role requires clear communication with various stakeholders, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to convey information concisely. Think about times when you've successfully communicated complex ideas or negotiated terms.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage projects. Prepare scenarios where you had to monitor progress, manage budgets, or deal with risks, and be ready to discuss how you handled them.
✨Research Network Rail
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's values, recent projects, and their approach to safety and governance. Showing that you understand the company’s mission and how it aligns with your own values can set you apart from other candidates.