At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of CrossCountry to Great British Railways, managing multiple workstreams.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a forward-thinking company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until November 2027 with competitive salary and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders and drive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK rail industry during a significant transition period.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading multi-stakeholder programmes and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Position: Transition Programme Manager (Fixed‑Term Contract to Nov 2027) – Transition of CrossCountry to Great British Railways.
Purpose of Job: Lead the programme of work supporting the transfer of CrossCountry to Great British Railways, anticipated in October 2027.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Establishment of Requirements: Work with Directors and business leads to compile and maintain a clear record of requirements and assumptions for the programme.
- Mobilisation of the Programme: Establish separate programme plans across the workstreams (Compliance; Procurement; IT; HR; Finance; Fleet/Engineering; Commercial; Communications). Within each workstream ensure risks are identified and sufficiently mitigated, and that there is a clear RACI. Work with workstream sponsors and leads to identify resource requirements and progress this through internal governance.
- Delivery of the Programme: Manage the implementation of the eight workstreams, lead internal and external reporting on progress, ensure future cost projections are understood and included in future business planning and reporting cycles, prepare responses to shareholder or client data requests, attend Great British Railways cross‑industry working groups, and lead the planning and delivery of change management activities to support transition to GBR, ensuring stakeholder engagement, clear communications and adoption of new processes, systems and ways of working.
Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training – Essential:
- Experience of leading multi‑stakeholder programmes involving government, regulators and private‑sector partners.
- Strong organisational design and change‑readiness experience, including transition‑state planning and post‑implementation review.
- Advanced risk management capability, including identification, mitigation planning and cross‑workstream dependency mapping.
- Exceptional facilitation skills, enabling productive workshops with senior stakeholders, technical teams and external partners.
- High‑level analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to simplify complex information.
- High proficiency in programme tools and environments such as P3M frameworks and enterprise project portfolio systems.
- Resilience and adaptability, especially under conditions of uncertainty, competing priorities and evolving national policy direction.
- Proactive problem‑solver who anticipates risks and identifies innovative, pragmatic solutions.
- High integrity and discretion, essential for a role with significant confidentiality and strategic sensitivity.
Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training – Desirable:
- Understanding of UK rail industry governance structures, including contractual, operational and regulatory frameworks (e.g. DfT, GBR, ORR).
Diversity & Inclusion: At CrossCountry, we believe our people should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t just part of our strategy – it’s central to our success. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to be their best.
Transition Programme Manager in Birmingham employer: XC Trains Limited
At CrossCountry, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered, while our focus on professional development provides ample opportunities for growth within the rail industry. Located at the heart of the UK's transport network, this role as Transition Programme Manager not only allows you to lead significant change but also to contribute to shaping the future of rail travel in Great Britain.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transition Programme Manager in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Transition Programme Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for XC Trains Limited and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at XC Trains Limited
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with XC Trains Limited, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for XC Trains Limited.
