Portfolio Manager

TN United Kingdom; York; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled project manager to lead vital upgrades on the East Coast Main Line. This role focuses on managing project development, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and implementing effective contracting strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, budget oversight, and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing the UK's rail infrastructure and making a significant impact on passenger experience. If you are passionate about project delivery and continuous improvement, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in relevant discipline required.
• Experience in contracting and project delivery is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage project development and approval processes for assigned projects.
• Implement funding mechanisms and monitor project compliance.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and manage contract awards.

Skills

Project Management

Budget Management

Contracting

Safety Management

Teamwork

Change Management

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

PRINCE2 Foundation

Membership in Association for Project Management

Job description

The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) is a landmark scheme that will introduce in-cab digital signalling on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line, between London King's Cross and Grantham.

The East Coast Main Line is a vital artery in the UK’s rail network, with over a third of the population living within 20 minutes of an East Coast Main Line station. This railway line has been in use for more than 150 years, and demand on the infrastructure is set to increase as more passengers and freight use the railway. We now need to make upgrades and efficiencies so that this route can continue to serve us effectively for decades to come.

About the role (External)

Key Accountabilities

1. Manage the production of a robust development and approval in principle for assigned projects, focusing on specific and measurable outcomes, benefits, and requirements, to allow an unambiguous procurement exercise and efficient contract award.
2. Identify and contribute to securing optimum options for clients and funders. Analyze various schedule and cost options, contribute to planning, alignment, and delivery of the assigned projects.
3. Identify access strategies for assigned projects to achieve the best balance between affordability, deliverability, and minimal impact on passenger and freight colleagues, in line with Putting Passenger First Principles.
4. Implement funding mechanisms for assigned projects to secure optimal incremental funding, embodying and promoting project SPEED and PACE Principles in investment proposals and decisions.
5. Specify appropriate, measurable KPIs/KRAs into pre-contract documentation for assigned projects to enable active monitoring and measurement throughout the contract phase.
6. Implement established contracting and procurement strategies within legislative, governance, and procurement guidelines, adopting Agile Client Principles to transfer delivery responsibility to the supply chain where appropriate.
7. Evaluate supplier proposals to support timely contract awards, aligning with overall programme and strategic objectives.
8. Manage the contracting and financial authorization processes to support timely, risk-managed contract awards, embodying Agile Client and PACE principles.
9. Facilitate and contribute to a progressive programme of assurance reviews within assigned projects, focusing on compliance with core systems, processes, and safety regulations.
10. Monitor the assurance framework appropriate to project stages, review supply chain compliance, and ensure safety and quality standards are met.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.
• Membership (or working towards) of the Association for Project Management.
• PRINCE2 Foundation or equivalent qualification.
• Relevant experience in contracting and project delivery.
• Knowledge of project budget management.
• Understanding of project safety management and relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Understanding of procurement principles and assurance processes.
• Experience with the Three Lines of Defence Assurance Model.
• Effective team working and knowledge sharing skills.
• Open to change and continuous improvement.
• Focus on safety and understanding safety implications.
• Understanding of customer experience impact.
• Positive attitude towards work and change.
• Knowledge of the PACE Framework, GRIP, and CDM on simple projects.
• Familiarity with Network Rail’s practices and assets.
• Experience in risk management.

We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply, as we aim to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. If this role isn't the right fit, other opportunities may be available within the wider team.