Senior Programme Manager – Rail

Description:

Overview

Neo Recruitment is supporting a leading consultancy delivering major transport, light rail and infrastructure programmes across the UK and Ireland. As part of their continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, multi‑disciplinary programmes from early‑stage development through to business case approval.

This role is ideal for senior leaders with a background in light rail, mass transit, rail, metro or major transport systems, who excel in shaping programmes, integrating diverse workstreams and navigating public‑sector governance.

About the Role

As Senior Programme Director, you will provide strategic leadership across major transport and infrastructure programmes, ensuring technical, planning, commercial and operational workstreams are aligned to programme objectives and investment requirements.

A core part of the role involves guiding programmes through early-stage development, including:

* Programme definition and structuring

* Option development and appraisal

* Strategic alignment and investment planning

* HM Treasury Green Book and Five Case Model business case development

* Governance, assurance and approval processes

You will also step into priority areas to provide clarity, pace and hands‑on leadership where required.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead major transport and infrastructure programmes from concept to business case approval

* Integrate engineering, planning, commercial and operational readiness activities

* Maintain a single, integrated programme view with clear dependencies and critical path management

* Oversee multidisciplinary consultancy teams and delivery partners

* Establish robust programme controls, including schedule, risk, cost and performance reporting

* Ensure alignment with Green Book guidance, Five Case Model and public‑sector investment frameworks

* Support governance, assurance and key decision-making processes

* Provide hands‑on leadership to shape emerging work, resolve issues and accelerate progress

* Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across public and private sectors

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

* Extensive programme leadership experience in major transport or major infrastructure

* Strong background in light rail, tram, metro, mass transit or rail

* Proven experience in early-stage programme development

* Demonstrable experience of Green Book–aligned business case development

* Experience working within consultancy environments or integrated delivery models

* Strong understanding of public‑sector governance, assurance and investment processes

Skills & Competencies

* Exceptional integrator with strong systems thinking

* Able to operate at both strategic and hands‑on delivery levels

* Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity and evolving priorities

* Excellent communicator and influencer across political and stakeholder environments

* High standards of delivery, performance insight and programme discipline

Desirable

* Experience in UK transport business case development

* Experience across both client‑side and consultancy roles

* Based in, or able to travel regularly to, major UK or Irish cities

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to shape major transport and light rail programmes at their most influential stage — from concept through to investment approval. You will work at the forefront of nationally significant programmes, with the autonomy to drive integration, performance and strategic direction.

You’ll join a consultancy that values leadership, collaboration and innovation, offering a platform to make a meaningful impact across multiple high‑profile programmes.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced programme leader with a strong background in light rail, mass transit or major transport infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV via the contact form