Programme Manager (Tap Converter) 18 month fixed term contract

Programme Manager – Tap Converter

Salary: £54,519 - £72,100

Contract: 18 month fixed term

Location: London – Hybrid (with occasional travel to Manchester or London)

Annual Leave: 30 Days + Excellent Benefits

Closing date: 11th April 2025

Be Part of the Future of Rail

The railway in Britain is undergoing its most significant transformation in a generation, and Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is at the heart of this change. With the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), we are driving a new era of simpler, smarter, and more accessible ticketing, revolutionising how millions of people travel.

Our Digital Ticketing Services (DTS) division leads industry-wide transformation in ticketing and payments, working to simplify rail travel through digital solutions. We collaborate with train operators, regulators, and technology providers to modernise ticketing, contactless travel, and retailing. DTS delivers programs and projects that improve ticketing systems, enhance customer experience, and ensure seamless integration across the rail industry.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Programme Manager to lead the delivery of the Tap Converter – a major national initiative at the forefront of Pay As You Go ticketing innovation.

Backed by the Department for Transport, this programme will enable Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) to submit tap data from Bus, Tram or Rail networks and receive accurate rail fares in return, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly across authority boundaries in the future.

We’re currently working with two LTAs over the next two years, with more to follow. As Programme Manager, you’ll oversee multiple workstreams, coordinate across internal teams and external suppliers, and represent the programme at senior levels within RDG and the wider industry.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team of Project Managers, Business Analysts, and technical experts. We value shared success, diverse perspectives, and a team-first ethos in everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a high-profile national programme across multiple external and internal workstreams
• Set direction, resolve blockers, and ensure a shared understanding of goals
• Develop and maintain programme plans, manage risks, track benefits, and ensure timely delivery
• Build strong, professional relationships with LTAs, industry stakeholders, technology partners, and delivery teams
• Establish effective governance and reporting mechanisms in line with RDG’s frameworks
• Oversee day-to-day delivery across teams, providing leadership and motivation
• Ensure delivery aligns with national rail and government priorities for digital ticketing

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a proactive, confident Programme Manager who thrives on navigating complexity and building partnerships. Someone who takes initiative to understand the technologies involved, and who believes in the strength of the team over personal gain. Clear communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead others with authenticity are essential.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience delivering complex technical programmes in line with a recognised delivery lifecycle
• Proven ability to manage a wide range of stakeholders across multiple organisations
• Hands-on experience working with third-party suppliers and coordinating internal teams including Technical, Test, and Service
• Strong skills in programme planning, progress tracking, and reporting
• A structured approach to scheduling, including resource and time planning
• Confidence managing programme scope and applying robust change control
• A proactive approach to risk identification, management, and mitigation

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• 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 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance (AXA PPP) including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be one of the key faces of a nationally significant programme and a recognised leader in the future of Pay As You Go ticketing. As part of our wider team of Programme and Project Managers, you’ll have the chance to shape the future of ticketing and progress into strategic or director-level programme leadership roles at RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you’re ready to lead one of the UK’s most exciting digital ticketing programmes and want to work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.