Programme Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon

Who We Are

Join Network Rail ! Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

About The Role

The role forms part of the Network Rail Eastern Region Finance & Commercial Directorate, a team dedicated to driving investment, commercial excellence and strategic development across the railway. The successful candidate will also work in partnership with colleagues across the Integrated Anglia Railway, combining expertise from infrastructure, operations and train services to develop and deliver this transformative projects whilst maintaining the service for passengers. This unique position offers the opportunity to influence one of the most significant station redevelopment programmes in the UK, helping to create a modern, accessible and resilient transport hub that supports future passenger growth and economic development in the City of London.

Job Purpose

This role will play a key part in the development of the London Liverpool Street Redevelopment Programme, providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure the successful planning and progression of this major infrastructure investment. The role will be accountable for establishing programme governance, developing business cases, managing stakeholders, and leading multi-disciplinary teams to create innovative, sustainable and operationally effective solutions that transform capacity, passenger experience and commercial value at one of the UK's busiest railway stations. The postholder will ensure the programme is delivered safely, collaboratively and in alignment with organisational objectives, industry requirements and long-term rail network ambitions.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver a portfolio of programmes and/or projects.
• Implement an assurance framework and KPIs for programme management activities.
• Develop and implement relevant programme management standards, processes and procedures.
• Develop and deliver a specific programme/project on time, to budget and to other agreed success criteria, within corporate guidelines.
• Produce investment plans for the programme in accordance with Investment Regulations.
• Deliver the effective development and management of suppliers and staff to meet all corporate rules and means of control (including standards), in particular those relating to safety, quality and environment, and disseminate lessons learned.
• Deliver the effective development and management of suppliers to meet programme requirements.
• Establish and manage collaborative cross-functional virtual teams to deliver change projects, where appropriate.
• Identify and implement quality and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Develop the capability and professional development of staff within the programme and project management teams.
• Liaise with internal and external customers to address customer needs by fully understanding them and taking them into consideration in any strategic or policy changes that may arise.
• Discharge Network Rail's CDM related duties as required by company process.

Essential Criteria

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
• Excellent interpersonal, management and communication skills
• Substantial proven experience in programme management
• Excellent knowledge of programme and project controls processes and systems
• Proven experience in managing and developing teams to achieve high performance
• Proven ability to work with senior industry stakeholders to understand their requirements
• Membership of a relevant professional body

Desirable Criteria

• Chartered status
• Knowledge of the rail industry and its regulatory framework
• Knowledge of the principles of investment processes and procedures
• Experience of working in a commercial environment in a programme management role
• Experience of developing station redevelopment schemes

Please note:

Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications and/or competencies where required, or demonstrate active progress toward obtaining them, or evidence their applicable experience as a condition of employment.

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety and awareness of our safety vision.

Network Rail can offer you a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent benefits including a choice of contributory pension schemes, a generous annual leave package, a bonus scheme and an annual 75% subsidy on season tickets costing up to £3,333 (to a maximum amount of £2,500). You will also be entitled to 28 days annual leave

Salary: salary £71,163 to £86,801 per annum (plus an Inner London allowance of £3,270 per annum).

Car allowance: £6,000 per annum.

• Employees will be entitled to a 75% discount off leisure travel, this includes off peak and super off peak tickets*
• Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

Closing date: 2nd October 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date based on application volumes.

What's In It For You

• 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
• Private Healthcare
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
• Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
• My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount

Your Experience And Skills

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading the development of major transport or infrastructure programmes, with particular expertise in station redevelopments or complex urban regeneration projects. You will have a strong background in programme sponsorship or client-side programme management, coupled with exceptional stakeholder management skills and experience working closely with transport bodies, local government, mayoral authorities and development partners. Comfortable operating in ambiguity, you will provide strategic leadership, build alignment across diverse stakeholder groups and drive progress in a complex political, commercial and operational environment. Above all, you will be passionate about delivering transformational outcomes that create lasting benefits for passengers, communities and the wider railway.