If you want to lead a major infrastructure programme, have a track record establishing and managing high-performing teams and have previous experience working in or for the Light Rail industry or in the delivery of major transport infrastructure schemes, then this may be the perfect role for you. 

We have a brand-new role for a Programme Lead where you will be accountable for making sure that we have a best practice, active programme management function for Metro delivery. This is a critical role for the organisation, as we are going through an exciting period of change establishing a multi-model delivery directorate and creating strong programme and project management functions, within a growing transport delivery portfolio. This role will play a key part in setting and maturing that standard, working closely with the delivery teams as part of the Transport Portfolio Office. This role will be critical in supporting Transport for West Midlands’ delivery of multiple Metro projects across the Region. With a transport investment for Metro of over c£1.4 billion across the region, and a growing future pipeline, this is a great opportunity to join the team.

This is a dynamic role where you will oversee the progress of multiple projects in the programme and will establish and mature a new project management team and create a strong partnership working with our delivery teams. Alongside programme activities you will be dedicated to investing in your team, developing their skills and supporting their career pathways.

We need someone who isn’t afraid to challenge, has exemplary programme management experience and is a strong leader and stakeholder manager. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to join a growing team and be part of establishing Transport for West Midlands as a best-in-class delivery organisation.

What will you be doing?

• Establish, lead, and manage the Programme Management function for Metro.
• Lead the implementation and management of programme controls and reporting for the Metro delivery programme.
• Manage Programme scope, risks & issues, change, assurance, and compliance in accordance with established governance and assurance processes.
• Set and measure key performance targets.
• Ensure the programme is operating an effective risk management strategy.
• Lead on procurement strategies and tender documentation, including pre-construction information and construction contractor appointment documentation.
• Work with delivery teams and technical services to establish and implement an adequate project execution plan. 
• Set standards ensuring they are consistently applied and compliant with safety and assurance requirements.
• Work closely with sponsor and technical service teams establishing oversight of agreements.
• Determine, assemble and manage the right diverse project team with the right skills, experience, capabilities, and technical competency, including any required external specialist appointments.
• Create and nurture a high-performing and inclusive team environment that encourages contribution and recognition.

About you. 

• Significant transport infrastructure delivery project and programme management experience.
• Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams 
• Senior line management experience
• Experience of managing capital budgets
• Experience of integrating and delivering alongside other modes and disciplines particularly road/highways, active travel and rail works.
• Experience of contract management (particularly NEC) 
• Ability to present technical detail and progress reports in an engaging and accessible manner, including board level reports to support effective decision making.
• Ability to research and synthesise complex technical subjects into practical, cost-effective, and timely action plans and solutions.
• Demonstrable knowledge of working with key transport partners/stakeholders; Local Authorities, Department for Transport amongst others.
• Excellent organisational, written, and verbal skills
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Excellent partnership-building skills

How to apply. 

On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. 

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK.  If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work. 

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Location and working pattern – what you can expect. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. 

Creating an inclusive workplace.

West Midlands Combined Authority is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

About us.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognized as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility requirement, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.

Attached documents
JD - Programme Lead (Metro).pdf