Project Sponsor

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Sponsor to work as a key part of our sponsorship team for our ambitious pipeline of rail projects, working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will play a crucial role in championing and serving as the client for the advancement and execution of rail projects, primarily station projects. The sponsorship team will be working on redeveloped stations at Witton, Dudley Port and Adderley Park, working on plans for new stations such as the development of a new station at Aldridge and elsewhere and working with industry partners on the major Midlands Rail Hub scheme.

What you will be doing

• Ensure adherence to the West Midlands Combined Authority, Network Rail, Department for Transport and other project governance processes.
• Prepare high quality reports, briefings, business cases, and other governance materials to support evidence-based decision making.
• Managing land, property and consents workstreams.
• Manage and direct the activities and performance of consultants, professional services suppliers and contractors.
• Lead on the management of project requirements.
• Identify and champion opportunities for improvement.
• Examine and challenge projects to monitor the delivery of agreed outcomes and requirements.

What's essential

• Experience of working in or with the rail industry.
• Experience of working on capital projects in a political environment, not necessarily in sponsorship.
• Experience working with a range of project stakeholders including delivery partners, elected representatives, and the wider public.
• Experience of providing support and challenge to project teams and project stakeholders in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a matrix environment to deliver high quality outputs to meet the project needs.
• Knowledge of scope management, including requirements and change management processes.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Creative and proactive approach to problem solving and risk identification / mitigation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.

Location

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office or on site visits.

Salary and benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

Equal opportunities and accessibility

We are a Ban the Box employer; we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. We encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).