Project Manager- IT & Business Change

The ETCS DRACAS initiative provides strategic-level analysis and knowledge management of defects, faults, and system failures. It supports the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on the East Coast Mainline South and is designed to be scalable for future ETCS deployments across the UK.

The interim Project Manager will cover the role of the current incumbent, ensuring smooth mobilisation and delivery of the DRACAS workstream, with a permanent hire planned later in the year. The project aims for implementation by July 2026, in alignment with Railway Configuration State 3.

Role Purpose

The interim Project Manager will take full accountability for end-to-end delivery of the DRACAS workstream. This includes ensuring a robust delivery plan, actively managing risks and issues, and aligning key stakeholders on scope, milestones, and decisions.

The role will maintain delivery governance and readiness (reporting, RAID logs, dependencies) to support successful outcomes for the digital signalling rollout on the East Coast Main Line.

Key Outcomes / Deliverables

Baseline delivery plan agreed (scope, schedule, cost, RAID) through governance channels.

Proactive management of schedule, cost, and risks associated with the project.

Stakeholder map and engagement plan in place across operations, suppliers, and end users.

Engagement with end users to confirm solution meets operational and business requirements.

Delivery of agreed releases and milestones, as defined at mobilisation.

Weekly reporting pack maintained, including assumptions and decision logs.

Handover pack for successor/permanent hire, including plan, RAID, decisions, and lessons learned.

Responsibilities

Own and manage the project's schedule, cost, and risk plans.

Drive dependencies and ensure change control is adhered to.

Oversee consultant/partner contributions to the project.

Coordinate supplier/partner inputs and ensure timely closure of actions.

Capture user requirements and translate them into deliverables and acceptance criteria.

Lead project delivery governance cadence; prepare papers, escalate risks/issues, and log decisions.

Provide regular reporting to the Programme Manager in line with governance requirements.

Do you have experience in Project implementation?, Mandatory Skills / Experience

Proven project management experience delivering IT systems and business change projects.

Experience implementing business change end-to-end.

Strong governance and reporting discipline (packs, RAID logs, decision logs).

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Collaborative style with the ability to lead a virtual/cross-functional team.

Structured problem-solving skills and ability to work under delivery pressure.

Desirable Skills / Experience

Rail domain experience and/or exposure to digital signalling projects.

Experience with incident/fault reporting, asset/operations systems, or operational technology.

Essential Behaviours

Takes ownership and accountability; delivers on commitments.

Clear, concise communication with proactive stakeholder management.

Organised; manages time and priorities effectively.

Curious and constructively challenges to improve ways of working.

Collaborative and dependable; builds strong working relationships. MI42