Lead Portfolio Manager
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | London/ Hybrid |
| Area | London, UK |
| Sector | Programme & Project Management |
| Salary | £527 Per Day |
| Start Date | August 6th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Leanne Howlett |
| Job Ref | 7624-PSR1JP00104379 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | DBS/DS |
- Description
- The Client:
A government client is looking for a Lead Portfolio Manager to join them on a 12 month contract. This position will be based in London/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
We are recruiting for a Lead Portfolio Manager within the Industry Partnership for Digital Railway (IPDR), supporting the Passenger ETCS Deployment Programme.
The role will focus on establishing and overseeing the delivery of projects to implement ETCS onboard fitment as part of the National Passenger train fleet programme. This includes implementing the agreed strategy, establishing and overseeing the projects needed to fit or upgrade passenger trains with ETCS.
Operating within a national portfolio environment, the role requires alignment between fleet strategy, operator readiness, deployment triggers and staged governance approvals.
IPDR is a founding and central part of the client, leading the national migration to European Train Control System (ETCS) digital train control technology. As the railway transitions toward a Great British Railways operating model, IPDR is helping to shape the standards, operating assumptions and cross-industry approaches that will define how ETCS is deployed and managed at scale.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Proven leadership, interpersonal, collaborative and influencing skills.
- Understanding of key stakeholders and experience of cooperative working with stakeholders such as TOCs, ROSCOs, DfT, ORR.
- Onboard train fitment Project Management experience.
- Experience of delivery of onboard ETCS (“digital”) technology or rolling stock modification programmes.
- Communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure constructive dialogues with projects and the programme, and reporting to stakeholders.
- Competency in, planning, monitoring, and controlling projects of similar size and complexity
- Role modelling collaborative behaviours.
- Strong experience in procurement, assurance processes, and project governance.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex issues proactively and think strategically about costs, business priorities, and customer impacts.
- Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Professional qualification in project or programme management (e.g. APM PMQ or equivalent experience).
- In-depth knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and best practice.
- Understanding of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015).
- Practical experience applying CDM and Common Safety Method (CSM) regulations.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Project engineering experience.
- Understanding of UK Interoperability Regulations and vehicle authorisation processes.
- Knowledge of portfolio management approaches (e.g. MoP) or programme methodologies (e.g. MSP).
- Knowledge of investment, commercial, and procurement regulations.
- Experience working within the PACE framework.
- Familiarity with the client’s asset management practices.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- Proven leadership, interpersonal, collaborative and influencing skills.
