AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Lead Portfolio Manager (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract. This is a hybrid working role (2/3 days per week in York or London office and remaining WFH).

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

About the role:

At GBRX, we are at the forefront of transforming the railway industry, driving innovation, and delivering complex projects that push the boundaries of transportation.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Portfolio Manager would be to:

• Lead a matrix team to deliver the market application readiness requirements, taking all ETCS suppliers through a development and technical assurance process to deliver products that are fully compliant with NR’s identified ETCS requirements (or agreeing any deviations), and achieving product acceptance.
• Document and maintain the approach to the delivery of market application readiness.
• Manage and deliver on NR’s obligations under the MAR contract(s), holding suppliers to account on their obligations to time, cost and quality.
• Work with suppliers and the NR team to develop a schedule for MAR activities, including product development and assurance activities, and maintain and monitor progress against it
• Develop KPIs with suppliers to understand development, testing and assurance progress
• Hold regular progress reviews with suppliers and NR teams.
• Implement and administer a technical / commercial query process with suppliers and NR teams as relevant.
• Maintain a risk and issues register associated with MAR requirements and deliver action plans to address them.
• Undertake periodic and other cyclical or ad-hoc reporting on progress, risks and issues
• Arrange supplier site visits, and access to test facilities as required to assure delivery progress.
• Manage the budget for market application readiness activities in line with NR standards, corporate governance and Managing Public Money guidelines.
• Implement and manage the change control process, to cater for scope, requirement, schedule and cost change.
• Deliver continuous improvement on the MAR approach, based on supplier and NR team feedback.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in leading cross-functional or matrix teams to deliver complex technical projects.
• Commercially astute with experience of managing NEC4 contracts
• Experience of managing complex development and delivery programmes in close collaboration with internal and external engineers.
• Experience of collaboratively working with large Original Equipment Manufacturers to jointly resolve issues.
• Strong understanding of ETCS (European Train Control System) requirements and assurance processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, holding them accountable to time, cost, and quality standards.
• Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, risk management, and budget control.
• Experience in developing and monitoring KPIs to track progress of product development and assurance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to lead progress reviews and manage technical/commercial queries.
• Knowledge of public sector governance frameworks, including Managing Public Money guidelines.
• Track record of implementing change control processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".