Programme Lead Interim

Cedar are seeking an experienced Programme Lead to oversee our involvement in a major rail transformation programme. This strategic role will coordinate organisational readiness, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and ensure the successful integration of programme outcomes across the business.

Working across engineering, operations, commercial, and corporate functions, you will provide leadership throughout the programme lifecycle, ensuring effective governance, risk management, and delivery against business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s contribution to a major transformation programme, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional delivery across engineering, operations, commercial, finance, and support teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, suppliers, and key external stakeholders.
• Establish robust programme governance, reporting, and risk management processes.
• Manage programme budgets, commercial activities, and resource planning.
• Ensure organisational readiness for programme implementation, including operational, technical, and business change activities.
• Promote a culture of safety, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

About You

You’ll be an experienced programme leader with a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects within the rail or wider transport sector.

Essential

• Proven experience leading large-scale rail, infrastructure, engineering, or transport programmes.
• Strong understanding of operational environments and programme delivery.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders and working across complex organisations.
• Excellent governance, risk management, and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience of fleet modernisation, infrastructure enhancement, or major operational change programmes.
• Knowledge of programme mobilisation, organisational readiness, or business transformation.
• Experience working with industry partners, suppliers, and public sector stakeholders.
• Commercial or contract management experience.