Associate Sponsor

Develop an understanding and capability of the sponsor role through shadowing, managing, and supporting projects/programmes, funded by government, customer, stakeholder, or multiple funders, where Network Rail assumes a sponsorship role. Drive the development and implementation of specific small / medium sized schemes as directed by the lead sponsor., 1. Work as part of the sponsor team to manage the development and implementation of specific schemes and work streams as directed by the lead sponsor. 2. Support the interests of the funder, customer, or stakeholder where appropriate within Network Rail. 3. Actively participate in the remit process; review and comment on client, customer, and stakeholder requirements to test the viability of proposed schemes taking in to account value for money, network availability and capacity for future development and whole life cost. 4. Under direction, produce investment papers for small / medium sized schemes and support the business case process. 5. Provide input to the development of the initial project plan and budget; working with the lead sponsor and project manger to specify how the project will be delivered, expected milestones, and associated timescales, risks, and issues. 6. Monitor progress on projects/programmes against agreed budgets, delivery plans and work programmes, challenge delivery partners as appropriate to correct adverse trends. 7. Communicate and report project progress status to the lead sponsor, client, customer, and stakeholders against defined and agreed milestones. 8. Support the process of quantifying risk associated with the portfolio of projects. Work with the lead sponsor to devise mitigating actions and periodically review recovery progress. 9. Participate in negotiations with customers and stakeholders on commercial and contractual terms in accordance with relevant corporate policy and strategy. 10. Comply with the requirements of corporate investment regulations, other corporate governance, and the Guide to Railway Investment Projects. Adhere to corporate processes, including those related to finance, legal and corporate affairs.

· Experience of dealing with people at all levels · Ability to communicate and articulate clearly and concisely. · Proven ability to write coherently, conveying report / investment information in a concise manner. · Commercially astute, persuasive, and customer focused. · Influencing and negotiating skills We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have/to be: · Qualified to degree level or equivalent. · Knowledge / understanding of the railway industry. · Knowledge / understanding of project environments. · Experience in negotiating contracts

Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. Click here to watch our inspiring video to learn more about us! We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Network Rail has been recognised as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equity for the fourth consecutive year! You can find out more about this here: The Times Top 50 Listmakers 2024 - Business in the Community (bitc.org.uk) Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here. Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you! About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance. We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You will be part of the North West & Central Region (NW&C) which consist of three routes – North West, Central and West Coast South – and a regional team supporting Regional Major Programmes & Professional services.

• Access to a range of contributory pension schemes, and the potential to top up your competitive salary with a bonus
• A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train
• Privileged staff travel – Leisure travel discount of 75%
• We can offer you a season ticket loan, annual season tickets are discounted.
• A 35-hour-per-week contract with flexible working options available to help support your work-life balance
• Hybrid working (2/3 days a week in the office/on site) and enhanced family-friendly support
• Take advantage of healthcare offers (including discounted healthcare club membership), discounted cycle hire, and online shopping sites
• 5 days of paid volunteering leave
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community