Associate Sponsor

There is an exciting opportunity to join us in a role that is vital to our success. We are looking for an Associate Sponsor to join our team to develop an understanding and capability of the sponsor role through shadowing, managing, and supporting projects/programmes, funded by government, customer, stakeholder, or multiple funders, where Network Rail assumes a sponsorship role. Drive the development and implementation of specific small / medium sized schemes as directed by the lead sponsor.

Role and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

1. Work as part of the sponsor team to manage the development and implementation of specific schemes and work streams as directed by the lead sponsor.

2. Support the interests of the funder, customer, or stakeholder where appropriate within Network Rail.

3. Actively participate in the remit process; review and comment on client, customer, and stakeholder requirements to test the viability of proposed schemes taking in to account value for money, network availability and capacity for future development and whole life cost.

4. Under direction, produce investment papers for small / medium sized schemes and support the business case process.

5. Provide input to the development of the initial project plan and budget; working with the lead sponsor and project manger to specify how the project will be delivered, expected milestones, and associated timescales, risks, and issues.

6. Monitor progress on projects/programmes against agreed budgets, delivery plans and work programmes, challenge delivery partners as appropriate to correct adverse trends.

7. Communicate and report project progress status to the lead sponsor, client, customer, and stakeholders against defined and agreed milestones.

8. Support the process of quantifying risk associated with the portfolio of projects. Work with the lead sponsor to devise mitigating actions and periodically review recovery progress.

9. Participate in negotiations with customers and stakeholders on commercial and contractual terms in accordance with relevant corporate policy and strategy.

10. Comply with the requirements of corporate investment regulations, other corporate governance, and the Guide to Railway Investment Projects. Adhere to corporate processes, including those related to finance, legal and corporate affairs.

· Experience of dealing with people at all levels

· Ability to communicate and articulate clearly and concisely.

· Proven ability to write coherently, conveying report / investment information in a concise manner.

· Commercially astute, persuasive, and customer focused.

· Influencing and negotiating skills

Desirable

· Qualified to degree level or equivalent.

· Knowledge / understanding of the railway industry.

· Knowledge / understanding of project environments.

· Experience in negotiating contracts

Network Rail has played a key role in keeping the country moving during the coronavirus pandemic – and we will play an equally important part in rebuilding from it.

We get people where they need to be, whether they are commuting to work, visiting friends or family, or going for a night out.

We make millions of lives better every day and have a vital job in driving the economy and prosperity of the nation!

Over the coming years we will be building and improving crucial rail links between the country’s biggest cities, making our services faster, more comfortable and more reliable for the people who rely on us.

We’re also changing our organisation to put the passenger at the heart of everything we do, to make our people even prouder to work for us and to be recognised as a true leader in our industry.

In joining Network Rail, you’re not only joining an organisation with a vital role to play for the country, but also a team of more than 40,000 people, and a business dedicated to being one of Britain’s best employers.

Does this sound like a team you'd love to be a part of?

• Salary of £35,582 - £40,029 (Band 4.B) depending on skills, qualifications and experience

• 28 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

• My benefits – Our discounted online shopping site

• A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers – cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits

• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets

• A choice of contributory pension schemes

• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community