TDA Project Manager 18m FTC

What is the purpose of this job?

The TDA Project Manager provides project management expertise to the Train Drivers Academy (TDA) scheme and wider People Strategy team, delivering projects that develop products, services and initiatives aligned to the TDA strategic pillars and other People Strategy objectives. Working with colleagues, stakeholders and subject matter experts, the role plans, coordinates and delivers project activities that support the successful implementation of agreed solutions to common industry challenges.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

1. Develop plans to deliver project requirements, in line with industry and organisational objectives, ensuring accountabilities, deliverables, dependencies and timescales are transparent and understood.

2. Identify risks, issues and dependencies, implementing appropriate mitigation activities in line with RDG project governance guidelines and escalating matters where required.

3. Develop stakeholder engagement plans, building effective relationships that encourage meaningful contributions to project activities, governance and outputs.

4. Manage delivery of projects in line with agreed plans, monitoring and tracking progress, coordinating activities and supporting delivery of project outputs.

5. Coordinate project governance activities, meetings and correspondence, maintaining accurate project documentation and providing timely written and verbal reports.

6. Support the development of TDA products, services, guidance and events by coordinating project activities and working with subject matter experts and stakeholders to deliver agreed outcomes.

7. Support project scoping and requirements gathering activities, helping to translate stakeholder needs into clear project objectives, deliverables and implementation plans.

8. Support evaluation of project outcomes by capturing lessons learned, monitoring delivery against agreed success measures and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Who will my key contacts be?

· Internal stakeholders throughout RDG, particularly within the People Strategy team and Industry Operations directorate.

· Practitioners and managers from owning Groups, TOCs, FOCs, Network Rail and GBR, contributing to the development and delivery of TDA and People Strategy projects, products and services.

· Subject matter experts from across the rail industry, supporting the development of guidance, resources and other project outputs.

· Trade Unions at Executive Committee and local levels.

· Industry bodies including RSSB, NSAR and the ORR.

Requirements

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

Essential

Experience in a project management, programme support, project delivery, change delivery or similar role involving planning, governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management and delivery coordination. Experience of working with stakeholders to develop solutions, maintain momentum and deliver agreed outcomes.

Desirable

Experience of supporting the development of products, services, guidance, events or organisational change initiatives. Experience gained in project delivery, programme support, change management or continuous improvement environments would be advantageous, together with knowledge of project management methodologies, requirements gathering, business process improvement or benefits realisation.

Railway

Experience within the rail industry, particularly in operational, training, workforce development or people-related environments, would be advantageous but is not essential. Knowledge of recruitment, apprenticeships, training, competence management or wider workforce reform initiatives would be beneficial.

Essential skills:

• Listening Ability to analyse and compare perspectives, identifying key information, concerns and requirements to support effective project delivery.
• Speaking Ability to communicate clearly and confidently with different audiences, adapting messages appropriately and contributing constructively to discussions and decision-making.
• Problem solving Ability to identify risks, issues and dependencies, evaluate options and implement practical solutions that support the achievement of project objectives.
• Creativity Ability to seek different perspectives, identify opportunities for improvement and contribute ideas that enhance project outcomes and ways of working.
• Adapting Ability to respond positively to changing priorities and circumstances, learning from experience and maintaining delivery focus in a dynamic environment.
• Planning Ability to use planning tools to organise projects with multiple activities, dependencies and stakeholders, monitoring progress and adapting plans where required.
• Leadership Ability to facilitate structured discussions, encourage participation and support shared decision-making to achieve agreed project outcomes.
• Teamwork Ability to build effective relationships, work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute positively to shared objectives.

Benefits

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% discount on rail travel (for work and leisure), plus international rail discounts
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Two Personal Development Days are granted to employees annually
• Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for commuting costs
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave
• Pension scheme – up to 8.64% employer contribution
• Subsidised Private Medical Insurance (Vitality PPP) and Health Cash Plan (Healthshield)
• Access to our flexible benefits portal - a central hub for accessing retail discounts, shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment perks
• Flexible working arrangements available