Project Manager

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

Assuming the project leading delivery role in Train (related projects) (or projects forming part of the Portfolio of the “Trains team”) whilst managing stakeholder expectations and project efficiency on behalf of SWR and the DfT.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Maintaining programme schedule and interdependencies across allocated projects
• Compiling and negotiating project delivery schedules with external contractors and internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Manage and report on budget control as stipulated by Head of Projects & Line Manager
• Ensuring delivery of regular progress reports to the Head of PMO highlighting project progress
• Ensuring all internal Safety Validation Process are adhered to
• Co-ordinating project activity across functions in relation to allocated projects
• Maintaining the SWR project methodology in all projects undertaken
• Oversee team actions to ensure safety and sustainability compliance is achieved by the project
• Provide expert support as required to business stakeholders
• Identify opportunities within projects and sharing of best practice across functional project teams
• Lead project reviews ensuring contractors and stakeholder are held to account
• Work as directed by your line Manager or Head of Projects
• Assess and evaluate progress against plan implementing mitigation where necessary
• Co-ordinate, negotiate and deliver change as necessary
• Ensure projects are accepted by functional leads and benefits are acknowledge and delivered
• Ensure functional activity is undertaken as necessary to deliver timely operational readiness

You'll need to be:

• Proficient in the co-ordination and delivery of complex projects, preferable within but not limited to the railway environment
• Willing to travel within the South Western Railway network and attend regular site meetings and meetings in the central London HQ
• Degree or Master's degree level in Eingineering or Project management, professional membership desireable
• Holder of APM Project Management Qualification or willingness to complete APM Qualification (possible SWR funding)
• 3+ years Project Management or Engineering work preferably in the rail or industrial environment (desirable)
• Strong commercial focus and financially astute.
• Knowledge of the principles of investment processes and procedures.
• Must have the ability to work independently or as part of a team and successfully adapt to changing priorities
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills are a must
• Competence in MS Office (essential) and MS Project (desirable)

About the location

South Western Railways HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well-known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport. 

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days 

Generally office hours, there will be requirement for “out of hours” work associated to specific project packages/tasks

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/