Project Sponsor

Description:

This major enhancement programme of rail works is championed by our Chair, the Mayor of the West Midlands, who is committed to delivering a new, golden era for our local trains. The role requires stakeholder management across a number of funders, local authorities, rail industry and central government. Reporting to the Programme Sponsor, you will be responsible to managing the programme scope and will need to balance the funder requirements with a sustainable commercial position, whilst also contributing to the development of early-stage rail projects.

West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) is the devolved body with responsibility for working with the rail industry and local authority partners to deliver better rail services in the West Midlands. WMRE is a key organisation in the West Midlands Combined Authority Trailblazer deeper devolution deal which gives greater authority to regional government and is set to continue delivering an exciting portfolio of projects locally. We jointly manage the West Midlands Rail National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport and actively support the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and other strategic bodies with their progressive development agendas.

Collaborating closely with the WMRE Policy and Strategy Team, you will steer the development of business cases from inception through to funding approval, supervising the smooth transition of projects into our newly established Delivery Directorate, for implementation.

This is the perfect role for someone who really wants to make a difference and enrich communities by connecting people to each other, employers to jobs, and businesses to markets. We need someone who is an effective communicator, results driven and technically conversant.

What you will be doing

• Ensure adherence to the West Midlands Combined Authority, Network Rail and other project governance processes.
• Prepare high quality reports, briefings, business cases, and other governance materials to support evidence-based decision making.
• Lead on the transitioning of projects into the Delivery Directorate for implementation.
• 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.

About you

• Experience of working in or with the rail industry
• Experience of working on capital projects in a political environment
• Experience working with a range of project stakeholders including delivery partners, elected representatives, and the wider public.
• Experience of working in a sponsorship role, or strong understanding of the nature of project sponsorship.
• 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 requirements and change management processes.
• Strong analytical skills
• Creative and proactive approach to problem solving and risk identification / mitigation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills