Programme Manager (Fares, Ticketing & Retail)

Who We Are

Fares, Ticketing & Retail team

Transforming how passengers buy and use rail

Britain's railways must deliver for passengers now and in the future. That's why the government and the rail industry are delivering a programme of reforms to make rail easier to buy and use:

• Easier to understand, better value fares - Straightforward ticket choices and fair, consistent prices, including more lower fares.
• Confidence you have the right ticket - Simple to understand the ticket you need and better protection for honest passengers through industry-wide action to tackle fare dodging and fraud
• Easier ways to buy tickets - A high quality GBR website and app selling and serving passengers' rail journeys, alongside independent retailers.
• Rail integrated with other public transport in major urban areas - Tap-in tap-out expanded to Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and more of the South East, with new mobile payment trials testing future innovation.
• Better, more accessible retail experience - More support for passengers including those who rely on paper tickets or cash, or who need extra assistance.

We're not waiting. As we become Great British Railways, a programme of reform is already making rail easier to buy and use, helping rebuild trust in rail and encouraging more people to travel by train.

About the role

We are seeking experienced Programme Managers to lead the delivery of our portfolio of programmes and projects, ensuring outcomes are achieved to agreed scope, time, cost, and quality standards. You will work closely with business stakeholders to drive effective change aligned to organisational priorities.

In these roles, you will establish and maintain programme management frameworks, including governance, assurance, KPIs, and delivery standards, while ensuring compliance with corporate, safety, quality, and environmental requirements. You will oversee investment planning, supplier and stakeholder management, and the delivery of complex change initiatives.

You will lead cross-functional teams, build capability within programme and project management teams, and promote continuous improvement in delivery performance. A strong focus on collaboration, customer needs, and operational excellence is essential.

Your experience and skills

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
• Excellent interpersonal, management and communication skills
• Substantial proven experience in programme management
• Excellent knowledge of programme and project controls processes and systems
• Proven experience in managing and developing teams to achieve high performance
• Proven ability to work with senior industry stakeholders to understand their requirements
• Membership of a relevant professional body

Desirable

• Chartered status
• Knowledge of the rail industry and its regulatory framework
• Knowledge of the principles of investment processes and procedures
• Experience of working in a commercial environment in a programme management role

These roles are available on permanent contract or secondment for 12 months.

We're an inclusive employer of choice and welcome applications from everyone. For this specific role, there is an expectation to be able to come to our London or Derby Offices for a minimum of three days per week. We encourage people to work flexibly and we're open to hybrid working! We'll also try our best to adapt the recruitment process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities.

If you're working within the rail industry and considering applying via a Secondment, we encourage you to have a conversation with your line manager early in the process to support a potential secondment into Network Rail and where successful to support your release.