New Trains Mobilisation Programme Manager

Candidate Opportunity Brief Position: New Trains Mobilisation Programme Manager Based: York, Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle  The Opportunity We’re partnering with a leading UK Train Operating Company at a pivotal point in its transformation journey. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most high-profile programmes in the organisation the mobilisation and introduction of a brand-new train fleet. Sitting within Strategic Development, you’ll be at the centre of a complex, business-critical programme that will directly shape operational performance, customer experience, and long-term capability. You will take ownership of the mobilisation programme end-to-end—ensuring everything is in place when new trains enter service, from infrastructure and engineering readiness through to people, processes, and performance. What You’ll Be Doing Lead the end-to-end mobilisation programme, aligning plans, resources, and priorities across the business Coordinate a cross-functional team, bringing together multiple workstreams across operations, engineering, and infrastructure Develop and manage a robust, integrated programme plan, with clear milestones and dependencies Work closely with manufacturers, suppliers, infrastructure partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure full alignment Drive delivery through matrix leadership, influencing workstream leads and maintaining programme momentum Identify and manage risks, issues, and change, proactively resolving challenges Act as a key escalation point, removing blockers and keeping delivery on track Establish strong governance, reporting, and stakeholder communication frameworks Support operational and engineering readiness, including depot and infrastructure interfaces Embed sustainable change and new ways of working across the organisation This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with operational detail. Proven experience leading complex, high-value programmes within rail or a comparable environment Strong background in rolling stock, fleet introduction, or mobilisation/transition programmes Understanding of MSA and TSSSA agreements Confident operating in a multi-stakeholder, matrix environment Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including senior leadership engagement A practical, solutions-focused mindset, able to adapt and navigate complexity Ability to bring structure, clarity, and alignment to large-scale programmes