Head of Delivery (Rail) in Bristol

Head of Rail Delivery

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint a Head of Rail Delivery to join our Capital Delivery Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of one of the UK’s most ambitious regional rail investment programmes, helping to shape a modern, integrated and sustainable transport network across the West of England.

Reporting to the Director of Transport Programmes, you will provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of complex rail programmes and projects, ensuring successful delivery of infrastructure investments that support economic growth, improve connectivity and create more inclusive communities.

With a portfolio valued at over £430million, you will oversee the nationally recognised Metro West rail programme, including the design, delivery and opening of five new railway stations, the introduction of passenger services on the Portishead Line—where passenger trains have not operated for over 60 years—and the reintroduction of passenger services on the Henbury Line.

You will also oversee step‑free access at Lawrence Hill Station, improving accessibility and making the railway more inclusive for passengers.

The Combined Authority has a substantial pipeline of future rail schemes set to transition into delivery over the coming years.

Rail investment is one of the Mayor’s key priorities, making this a high‑profile leadership role with significant strategic influence.

As the rail industry prepares for the transition to Great British Railways, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening and further developing the Combined Authority’s partnerships with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Great Western Railway and the wider rail industry, ensuring the region is well positioned to secure future investment and influence national rail policy.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the delivery of the Mayor’s transport priorities and strategic investment programme.
• Leading a high‑performing team responsible for delivering complex rail projects from development through construction and into operation.
• Ensuring robust governance, risk management and programme controls are embedded across all projects.
• Delivering programme milestones to agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
• Providing strategic leadership, expert advice and assurance to senior leaders, elected members, government departments and industry partners.
• Directing the development and delivery of the Combined Authority’s rail infrastructure programmes and projects.
• Acting as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for rail projects that progress into the delivery programme, ensuring successful outcomes across the region.
• Leading the delivery of the Metro West programme while preparing the next generation of rail investment schemes for construction.
• Overseeing the procurement, commissioning and management of specialist technical resources, consultants, designers and contractors.
• Working collaboratively with Programme Management Office colleagues to develop robust schedules, cost plans, reporting mechanisms and assurance processes.
• Providing strategic oversight and management of delivery partners and supply chains to achieve agreed cost, quality and programme outcomes.
• Leading engagement with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, train operating companies, freight operators, Great British Railways transition partners and other key stakeholders.
• Playing a leading role in developing the Combined Authority’s strategic relationships with the rail industry, positioning the region to influence future investment opportunities and reforms associated with Great British Railways.
• Supporting the development and delivery of the region’s wider transport strategy and deputising for the Director of Transport Programmes when required.
• Ensuring projects and programmes deliver their planned benefits, outcomes and value for money.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering large‑scale rail infrastructure programmes and projects with substantial capital values.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience of managing complex contracts and working collaboratively with delivery partners to achieve successful commercial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, business case development, assurance processes and project controls.
• Confident influencing, negotiating and building productive relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry and partner organisations.
• Ability to provide inspirational leadership to multidisciplinary teams while fostering a collaborative, high‑performing culture.

Benefits

• Leading one of the UK’s most significant regional rail investment programmes during a time of unprecedented change within the rail industry.
• Shaping the future of rail travel in the West of England, delivering projects that transform connectivity, support sustainable growth and leave a lasting legacy for communities.
• Working closely with the Mayor, senior leaders, government departments and industry partners to influence the future direction of rail investment locally and nationally.
• Leading a portfolio of projects that will improve the lives of thousands of people every day.
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