New Trains Mobilisation Programme Manager

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