Head of Delivery - Rail

Head of Delivery - Rail

Temporary 61873 - 75623 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Oyster Partnership

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a £65M rail infrastructure project transforming urban areas.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative transport-led regeneration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful work.
  • Other info: Opportunity for temporary contract with significant career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in urban environments and drive major projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in senior roles within public sector or regulated infrastructure.

The predicted salary is between 61873 - 75623 £ per year.

£65M Rail Infrastructure Project to be delivered; influencing growth!

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Delivery to lead a flagship, multi‑million‑pound infrastructure [Rail] programme that will transform a major UK urban area.

This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving delivery across a complex portfolio involving transport-led regeneration, major capital works, placemaking, and the creation of a high‑quality, future‑focused urban environment.

You will provide operational leadership across an internal delivery team, external consultants and contractors, and a wide network of regional and national partners, such as; Network Rail and surrounding Local Authorities.

Expertise in managing major infrastructure projects from conception, DCO, planning application management through to detailed design and spades in the ground is a key requirement.

The landscaping public consultation was conducted recently; hence, capital funding is in place via NR/LUF and other parties, totalling £65M. The scheme is ready for construction.

With this in mind you’ll be required to provide programme governance, risk management, financial oversight, and reporting.

In addition to this, building key relationships with public sector partners, transport bodies, funders and various stakeholders.

Coordination with multidisciplinary teams, championing innovation, and positive performance culture are a given, as you’ll be the senior representative of the authority at regional and national forums.

You will bring significant experience of operating at a senior level in a large, complex organisation—ideally within the public sector or regulated infrastructure environment.

A proven track record in major project or programme delivery across Rail and Transport Infrastructure is quintessential.

Skills & Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of governance, public sector delivery processes, and funding frameworks.
  • Outstanding communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
  • Ability to provide clear professional advice to senior leaders and elected members.
  • Commercial acumen, including supplier management and value-for-money evaluation.
  • Ability to operate effectively under pressure, balancing competing priorities.
  • NEC accreditation would also be appreciated.

Qualifications

  • Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline (e. g., project management, engineering, construction, surveying).
  • Chartered status and/or recognised project/programme management accreditation (APM, NEC, PRINCE2, MSP, RICS, ICE, or equivalent).

Salary: DOE
Location: Eastern England
Contract: Temporary, until constructed.

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Head of Delivery - Rail employer: Oyster Partnership

Oyster Partnership is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering flexible hybrid working arrangements and a supportive work culture focused on community safety. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in local authorities, employees are empowered to lead initiatives that enhance the safety and well-being of residents. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises collaboration and innovation in delivering high-quality services.

Oyster Partnership

Contact Details:

Oyster Partnership Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Delivery - Rail

Get Your Foot in the Door

Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.

Leverage Community Connections

Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.

Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio

Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Oyster Partnership.

Apply Directly at Construction Sites

Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Oyster Partnership appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Delivery - Rail

Project Management
Infrastructure Project Delivery
Governance
Public Sector Delivery Processes
Funding Frameworks
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!

Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.

Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Oyster Partnership know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.

Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Oyster Partnership is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster Partnership

Show Off Your Safety Knowledge

In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.

Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios

Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.

Flexibility is Key

Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!

Highlight Your Previous Experience

Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.