The Situation

As the organisation moves toward nationalisation, the need for strong early-stage project development, robust governance and well-structured business cases is increasing rapidly. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping how future projects are planned, justified and delivered.

The Opportunity

You will lead the early-stage development of multi-disciplinary rail projects, transforming initial asset needs and strategic requirements into clear, structured and approval-ready business cases.

Working at the centre of the organisation, you will collaborate with engineering, commercial, programme teams and external partners to ensure each scheme is feasible, costed, risk-assessed and ready to progress into procurement.

This role suits someone who understands how rail projects are conceived, shaped, validated and prepared for tender - someone confident in asking the right questions, challenging assumptions and bringing clarity to complex, multi-million-pound programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop early-stage project requirements and shape them into structured business plans.

• Lead scheme development from concept through to procurement readiness.

• Produce and coordinate business cases for governance approval.

• Work across multiple disciplines (civils, M&E, stations, structures, commercial).

• Engage with internal teams, external consultants and stakeholders to gather accurate project information.

• Support the development of tender documentation and ensure projects are ready for market engagement.

• Manage competing priorities across multiple schemes at varying stages of development.

• Identify risks, gaps and missing information - and proactively seek answers.

• Work closely with estimators, QS teams and project controls to validate costs and assumptions.

• Build strong working relationships across engineering, commercial and programme teams.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

  • OR 20+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

• Strong multi-disciplinary understanding of how projects are developed.

• Rail industry experience is essential (limited transferability from other sectors).

• Experience preparing business cases, feasibility studies or pre-construction documentation.

• Understanding of bids, tendering processes, estimators and QS functions.

• Background in pre-construction, project controls or early-stage project development.

• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work across multiple projects at different stages.

• Charismatic, relationship-driven approach with the confidence to challenge and probe.

Location & Working Pattern

• Primarily office-based in Central London.

• Weekly site visits across the London-Southend route.

• Flexibility for remote working when appropriate.

• Flexible core working hours available.

• Candidates should be commutable to London; Essex is an ideal base for accessing the route.
  
  

  About Ford & Stanley group

  Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas - recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to the boardroom.

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