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