Programme Director - Interim, FTC - 24 Months

What is the purpose of this job?

We believe that the art of project and programme management is the balance of inspiring a shared strategic vision with co-ordinating multiple workstreams and providing direction across project teams.

As Programme Director you are responsible for the successful conclusion of multi projects by providing leadership, strategically managing risk, monitoring finances and making sure each phase of the project starts and ends on scheduled with significant budget responsibility (+£5m).

You will follow the RDG Project Delivery Framework and be able to demonstrate appropriate governance and audit trails across your projects to demonstrate this.

What can I expect to do in this job?

This isn't an exhaustive list, but things you can expect to be involved with include:

• Provide leadership and direction, both strategically and operationally to the wider project teams overseeing progress, budgets and project quality.
• Enable your teams to implement your strategic decisions through collaboration, support and engagement through the project lifecycle
• Overseeing progress, budgets and project quality. Following appropriate governance requirements as identified
• Represent and champion programmes within RDG and with multiple senior external stakeholders, resolve blockers, develop a strong and capable team and oversee multiple projects and programmes simultaneously
• Ensure projects and programmes remain aligned with the overall strategic goals and objectives of RDG
• Oversee all project implementation related to project management, including monitoring and reporting, financials, execution of project plans, quality, performance and compliance with relevant regulations
• Oversee risks, issues and change. Initiate corrective action against identified risks and issues to achieve strategic objectives. Manage change considering business benefit and impact on costs and time.
• Present Business Cases, including costs, cost savings and other benefits, to the RDG Exec and other Governance bodies to gain approval for procurement of services and delivery of associated projects
• With the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) and finance representative establish programme and project budgets as part of the production of business cases and manage, track and report on project finances to ensure delivery within authorised budgets
• Deputise for the Head of Programmes and IT.

Who will my key contacts be?

• Project Team Members
• RDG Exec and Senior Leadership Team
• Senior Stakeholders such as DFT, GBRTT, ORR
• Internal supporting functions (e.g. architecture, finance, procurement, legal)
• Third party suppliers
• Train Operating Companies (TOCs) / member organisation representatives

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

We are looking for someone with extensive experience of working in a senior leadership position delivering and overseeing large scale programmes and projects. You will be able to demonstrate a strong aptitude for the role and expert programme and project leadership knowledge.

Some of the sort of specific skills and knowledge we are looking for include:

• Significant vocational Senior Programme Manager or Project Director experience ideally within Transport, Travel, Retail, Utilities or Professional Services
• Experience and qualifications in project methodologies such as Agile and Prince 2, programme management such as Managing Successful Programmes
• Delivery of multiple concurrent programmes/projects within the agreed constraints of time, budget and demonstrating alignment to strategic objectives. This includes experience in managing and prioritising project resources and budgets to ensure successful business outcomes.
• Ability to make decisions relating to project priorities, change management (e.g. scope, time, contractual), financial and commercial changes.
• Experienced overseeing project plans that assure delivery of priority projects, including; e2e concept, define, deploy and transition to BAU and to building the optimal project delivery structure (people, methodology, plan, budget and governance) to meet the project vision.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, leading and getting the best out of project teams and individuals
• Ability to apply business and governance processes to delivery, and form good working relationships with all internal Governance teams
• Experience in achieving the best value of service through supplier management (expected to manage a multi-supplier matrix on delivery), new business tenders, end-to-end service reviews of suppliers, supplier governance frameworks and service monitoring with SLAS.
• Excellent communication skills, liaising with all senior executives, stakeholders, Industry boards and project team members, through the provision of high-quality multi-media reports, presentations, demonstrations and focus groups to influence decisions, make recommendations and provide support on business management.

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave - 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme - up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You'll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You'll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG we'd love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.