As Project Sponsor you will support the development and implementation of rail projects across the West Midlands Rail programme. This could include upgrading existing stations and building new ones, and other enhancements, at different stages of the project lifecycle, from development to delivery, ensuring that projects will meet the requirements of promoters, funders, and stakeholders in areas such as cost, schedule, scope, and benefits.

You’ll be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective relationships, internally and externally, to manage the interests and requirements of the West Midlands Combined Authority, partners across the rail industry, and other stakeholders, and champion our projects through presentations, briefings, and public engagement. effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

About you

Ideally educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant experience managing public services in a political environment, you will lead on the management of project requirements, ensuring that they are effectively managed, communicated, and understood by all parties. We’re looking for someone with experience of successfully leading project relationships at a contractual and working level, and who can demonstrate where they have added value by proactively identifying, assessing and acting upon opportunities. You’ll be preparing high quality reports, briefings, investment cases and other governance materials to support evidence-based decision making and so strong analytical and excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of influencing and engaging with stakeholders and partners, are needed.

About the team

Rail matters in the West Midlands. It's vital that we have rail services across our region that are fit for the future and able to support our ambitious plans for growth and economic prosperity; helping commuters get to work, businesses and communities to connect with each other and welcoming visitors to the heart of the country. 

The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) is the devolved body with responsibility for working with the rail industry and local authority partners to deliver better rail services in the West Midlands. We jointly manage the West Midlands Rail Franchise with the Department for Transport and actively support the West Midlands Combined Authority and other strategic bodies with their ambitious development agendas. Our area covers the wider West Midlands Region and we are accountable to the 14 local authorities who are full members of the WMRE Board.

About us

Our role in the West Midlands has never been more important and in these extraordinary times we’ve shown we can step forward, speak up for our region and bring people together. Everything we do is focused on making life better for people in the West Midlands – that’s our reason for being here and it drives every move we make. We lead and support others to deliver our shared future vision for the region – a happier, healthier, better connected place to live and work. 

As an employer we fully believe that we are only as great as the people who work for us.  We are committed to providing a positive, healthy and inclusive working environment where our people feel valued and respected. We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women.

Our employees feel they can make a difference and are excited by the growth and the potential to shape the future. As the WMCA is undergoing a period of significant change, our employees are engaging with what is going on and we are encouraging a culture where people feel they can contribute towards improvements.

We’re ambitious, forward thinking and determined to find better ways of working, always leading the way in what we do. We trust and support each other to get the job done, and encourage creativity, originality and curiosity from those who work with us. We’re committed to creating an accessible and diverse workplace, one that nurtures an inclusive environment where our people can be themselves.

If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

Additional information

Throughout lockdown, most of us have been working remotely and as we begin to look forward to leading a more normal life, we’re planning a new approach to the way we use our office space. We want to develop a flexible approach to the workplace which retains some of the benefits of working from home. This hybrid approach will mean most of us working from home some of the time, blending the best of home and office working.

We are committed to developing an organisation that is representative of the diverse communities that we serve and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The following groups are currently underrepresented: young people, Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups and women at senior levels.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet the essential job role criteria. We will make reasonable adjustments, in line with the Equality Act, for disabled applicants if these are needed. Wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance.

We’re dedicated to providing a broad range of rewards and benefits and constantly benchmark our benefits packages to ensure they are attractive for all our people. As well as a competitive salary, employees also receive 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and access to a great pension scheme.

Our role in the West Midlands has never been more important and in these extraordinary times we’ve shown we can step forward, speak up for our region and bring people together. Everything we do is focused on making life better for people in the West Midlands – that’s our reason for being here and it drives every move we make. We lead and support others to deliver our shared future vision for the region – a happier, healthier, better connected place to live and work. If you’re committed about developing yourself and others to reach their full potential, to create a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

Supporting documents
sponsor role profile.docx