Head of Programme Resourcing, Governance and Culture

We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Would you embrace the opportunity to take on a cross-cutting leadership role in delivering the UK’s biggest infrastructure project?

Do you enjoy collaborating with and influencing a diverse group of senior leaders?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity available and would love to hear from you!

As Head of Programme Resource, Governance and Culture, you will sit at the heart of the Major Rail Projects Group (MRPG), who sponsor the development and delivery of High Speed 2 (HS2) and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). You will join the group at an important moment, when we are improving delivery of phase 1 of HS2 while also planning future rail infrastructure projects to deliver important economic growth benefits.

This will include working closely with the Director General and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to identify the resource and capability requirements at different stages of the programmes, identifying capability gaps in the Group and making the most effective use of our workforce.

You will play a key role in ensuring that the Group has both effective and productive relationships with HS2 Ltd, from the most senior through to junior levels, as well as leading the Group’s formal governance processes. This will include providing leadership and oversight of the HS2 Sponsor Board, HS2 Ministerial Task Force, and Tier 2 investment Board.

You will have the autonomy to shape this role, adapting to the evolving requirements of the projects while gaining exposure to a range of senior leaders, both within and external to the department. This provides an ideal opportunity for professional growth and development.

If you would like to find out more about what it's like to work at DfT Rail, please click here.

Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Acting as a central co-ordinator for resourcing/recruitment activity across the group to ensure directorates are progressing their recruitment activity and reporting on progress to SLT.
• Effectively leading the programme’s governance arrangements, working with senior leaders and stakeholders to evolve them to drive programme delivery.
• Assessing sponsorship capability across the Group’s projects and working with key stakeholders to implement interventions, addressing capability gaps and ensuring the Group has the right culture and behaviours at all levels.
• Supporting the Portfolio Management Director in ensuring that there are positive and effective relationships at all levels with HS2 Ltd.
• Overseeing the running of the Director General’s Private Office, ensuring it is proactive and responsive to the priorities of both the Department and programme delivery.

For further information, please see the attached Role Profile.