Lead Rail Portfolio Manager

Vital Human Resources; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Lead Portfolio Manager to oversee critical rail infrastructure projects in Bristol. This 6-month contract role requires extensive experience in project management within the rail sector, particularly with NEC contracts. Candidates should be adept at stakeholder management and familiar with health and safety regulations. If you are a results-driven leader ready to drive major rail projects forward, apply now to take on this key role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Portfolio Manager or Senior Project Manager in the UK rail sector.
• Hands-on experience with NEC contract management.
• Knowledge of CSM and Interoperability Regulations is essential.
• Eligibility to acquire PTS (Personal Track Safety) is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee critical works including cable replacement and project steering.
• Lead the charge for Phase Two of the project in May 2026.
• Manage NEC contracts effectively.
• Integrate works between multiple contractors and internal teams.

Skills

Portfolio Management

NEC Contract Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Rail Safety Governance

Health and Safety Regulations

Job description

Overview

Lead Portfolio Manager (Rail Infrastructure)
Location: Bristol
Rate: £440/day (Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Months initially (Inside IR35)

Shape the Future of Critical Rail Infrastructure on Major Projects. Are you an experienced Portfolio or Project Manager with a background in complex, multi-stakeholder rail environments? Do you thrive on leading high-profile engineering projects from specification through to assurance? Our Client is looking for a dedicated Lead Portfolio Manager to take charge of two key, high-value projects. This is a unique initial 6-month contract opportunity to play a central role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of essential rail infrastructure, leveraging your expertise in NEC contracts and rail safety governance.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Portfolio Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Contract Manager within the UK rail sector.
• Strong, hands-on experience with NEC contract management.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of NR/L2/INI/02009 (The Hazard Management Process) and other key standards.
• A solid understanding of CSM, Interoperability Regulations, and Product Acceptance processes.
• Excellent stakeholder and contractor management and engagement skills, with the ability to integrate complex workstreams.
• Must hold or be eligible to acquire PTS (Personal Track Safety).

Key Responsibilities

• You'll oversee critical works including cable replacement and DNO/PSP design, steering the project into its third-year deliverables for CP7.
• Building on the successful completion of Phase One, you will lead the charge for Phase Two, commencing in May 2026. This involves the complex replacement of the Rigid Overhead Conductor System (ROCS), working alongside Engineering Services Design Delivery (ESDD) team.
• End-to-end management of NEC Contracts.
• Seamless integration of works between multiple contractors and internal teams, including design and delivery partners.
• Ownership and development of AMP & Health & Safety files.
• Deploying and ensuring adherence to Health and Safety Management system.
• Application of key regulations including CSM (Common Safety Methods), Interoperability Regulations, and Product Acceptance.

Next Steps

Ready to Drive Major Rail Projects Forward? If you are a results-driven leader with the required rail sector expertise, we want to hear from you. Please apply now by submitting your CV online or call Linda Davison on (phone number removed).

The partnering concept promoted by Vital means that we work together with candidates and clients to achieve your career and recruitment objectives. Our commitment to both candidates and clients is equalled only by our professionalism and dedication to providing the best possible service.