RQ1734241 – Programme Manager (Transport)

Job Details

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to work alongside the Transport Advisor to support the delivery of a major transformation programme. This is a senior interim role providing leadership, structure, and delivery confidence across a complex, multi-stakeholder programme within a politically sensitive environment.

The role will ensure effective planning, governance, and coordination of workstreams, helping drive progress from programme design through to implementation and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Setup & Delivery

• Establish, develop, and oversee working groups covering technical and functional areas
• Support the creation of a Programme Board involving senior leaders
• Develop and maintain a detailed programme plan, including tasks, timelines, dependencies, and critical milestones
• Assist in preparing a Heads of Terms agreement with partner authorities
• Ensure programme plans are used to track progress and manage delivery risks

Programme Leadership

• Lead the mobilisation, governance, and delivery of a complex transformation programme
• Ensure smooth transition from planning into implementation and operational delivery
• Coordinate multiple workstreams across operational, HR, finance, legal, commercial, and service areas

Governance & Reporting

• Establish and maintain strong governance, assurance, and reporting frameworks
• Produce clear executive updates, board papers, risk logs, and programme reports
• Monitor progress using KPIs, benefits tracking, and performance data
• Ensure compliance with public sector governance, procurement, and assurance standards

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with senior leaders, partner authorities, and external stakeholders
• Manage relationships across a complex stakeholder environment with political awareness
• Support communication, engagement, and change readiness activities

Risk & Change Management

• Identify, assess, and manage programme risks and dependencies
• Support commercial, operational, and workforce transition planning
• Ensure continuity of services during periods of change
• Maintain delivery focus in a fast-paced and evolving environment

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience in senior programme or project management roles
• Proven track record delivering large-scale transformation or service change programmes
• Experience working in complex, politically sensitive, multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management, and programme controls
• Experience coordinating multiple cross-functional workstreams
• Ability to produce high-quality reports, board papers, and strategic updates
• Strong organisational, commercial, and change management skills
• Ability to manage ambiguity, pressure, and competing priorities

Desirable Experience

• Local government, combined authority, transport, or infrastructure background
• Experience with public procurement, TUPE, or service commissioning
• Familiarity with PRINCE2, MSP, Agile, or PMO best practice
• Experience supporting large-scale organisational transformation programmes