Transition Programme Manager

Transition Programme Manager FTC to Nov 2027

Closing date for applications: Friday 03rd July 2026

Purpose of Job

We are looking for a Transition Programme Manager on a fixed-term contract until November 2027 to lead the programme of work supporting the transfer of CrossCountry to Great British Railways, anticipated in October 2027.

Principal Accountabilities

Establishment of Requirements

• To work with Directors and business leads to compile and maintain a clear record of requirements and assumptions for the programme.

Mobilisation of the Programme

• Establish separate programme plans across the workstreams.(Compliance; Procurement; IT; HR; Finance; Fleet/Engineering; Commercial; and Communications).

• Within each workstream, ensure risks are identified and sufficiently mitigated within the workstream plan, and that there is a clear RACI.

• Work with workstream sponsors and leads to identify resource requirement and progress this through internal governance.

Delivery of the Programme

• Manage the implementation of the eight workstreams.

• Lead on internal and external reporting on the progress of the eight workstreams.

• Ensure future cost projections are understood and included in future business planning and reporting cycles.

• Lead the preparation of responses to any shareholder or client data requests throughout the programme.

• Attend Great British Railways cross-industry working groups, providing the business with insight on Great British Railways objectives and opportunities for cross-industry efficiency.

• Lead the planning and delivery of change management activities to support transition to GBR, ensuring stakeholder engagement, clear communications, and adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working.
  
  

Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training

Essential:

• Experience of leading multi‑stakeholder programmes involving government, regulators, and private-sector partners

• Strong organisational design and change readiness experience, including transition-state planning and post‑implementation review

• Advanced risk management capability, including identification, mitigation planning, and cross‑workstream dependency mapping.

• Exceptional facilitation skills, enabling productive workshops with senior stakeholders, technical teams, and external partners.

• High-level analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to simplify complex

• High proficiency in programme tools and environments, such as P3M frameworks and enterprise project portfolio systems.

• Resilience and adaptability, especially under conditions of uncertainty, competing priorities, and evolving national policy direction.

• Proactive problem‑solver, who anticipates risks and identifies innovative, pragmatic solutions.

• High integrity and discretion, essential for a role with significant confidentiality and strategic sensitivity.

Desirable

• Understanding of UK rail industry governance structures, including contractual, operational and regulatory frameworks (e.g. DfT, GBR, ORR)

• Diversity & Inclusion

At CrossCountry, we believe our people should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t just part of our strategy — it’s central to our success. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to be their best.

Click Apply Now to take the next step in your journey with CrossCountry Trains.

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