Project Sponsor

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Sponsor to work as a key part of our sponsorship team for our ambitious pipeline of rail projects, working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 

You will play a crucial role in championing and serving as the client for the advancement and execution of rail projects, primarily station projects. The sponsorship team will be working on redeveloped stations at Witton, Dudley Port and Adderley Park, working on plans for new stations such as the development of a new station at Aldridge and elsewhere and working with industry partners on the major Midlands Rail Hub scheme. 

This major enhancement programme of rail works is championed by the Mayor of the West Midlands, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) that he leads. The role requires stakeholder management across a number of funders, local authorities, rail industry and central government.   Reporting to the Programme Sponsor, you will be responsible to managing the scope of the projects, developing business cases, preparing land, property and consent strategies and managing stakeholders. 

The role sits within Transport for West Midlands (the transport function of WMCA), and also the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE). WMRE is the devolved body with responsibility for working with the rail industry and local authority partners to deliver better rail services in the West Midlands. It is owned by 14 local authorities and the WMCA and is chaired by the Mayor of the West Midlands. WMRE has been given devolved powers from central government, and it uses them to work with the local train companies and Network Rail to deliver a new, golden era for the local rail network. 

This is the perfect role for someone who really wants to make a difference and enrich communities by connecting people to each other, employers to jobs, and businesses to markets. We need someone who is an effective communicator and results driven. 

What you will be doing

• Ensure adherence to the West Midlands Combined Authority, Network Rail, Department for Transport and other project governance processes.
• Prepare high quality reports, briefings, business cases, and other governance materials to support evidence-based decision making.
• Managing land, property and consents workstreams.
• Manage and direct the activities and performance of consultants, professional services suppliers and contractors.
• Lead on the management of project requirements.
• Identify and champion opportunities for improvement.
• Examine and challenge projects to monitor the delivery of agreed outcomes and requirements.

What’s essential

• Experience of working in or with the rail industry
• Experience of working on capital projects in a political environment, not necessarily in sponsorship
• Experience working with a range of project stakeholders including delivery partners, elected representatives, and the wider public
• Experience of providing support and challenge to project teams and project stakeholders in a complex and fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to work independently and in a matrix environment to deliver high quality outputs to meet the project needs
• Knowledge of scope management, including requirements and change management processes
• Excellent analytical skills
• Creative and proactive approach to problem solving and risk identification / mitigation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills

Location. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office or on site visits.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). 
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days. 
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.   
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses. 

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours. 

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
  
  
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands. 
  
  
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive. 
  
  
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future. 

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).