About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

Do you want to shape the future of our workforce and create opportunities that genuinely change lives? Are you a strategic HR professional who thrives on building partnerships, driving change, and delivering high-profile people initiatives?

We're looking for an exceptional HR Project Manager - Early Engagement to lead Southern Regions transformative programmes that strengthen our early talent pipelines and support our ambition to build a more inclusive, representative and future-ready organisation.

This is a standout opportunity to influence Southern Region's senior leaders, deliver innovative early engagement projects, and play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of talent across our business.

About the role (External)

What you'll be doing

In this high-impact role, you will:

• Lead and deliver Regional early engagement programmes -including careers outreach, early talent pipelines, school/college partnerships and community engagement activity-to attract future talent into the organisation.
• Design and deliver HR and change programmes using the right tools, methodologies and frameworks to support business needs.
• Train, coach and upskill managers in change and project management techniques, building capability across the organisation.
• Partner with project sponsors and act as a core member of project teams, providing expert HR insight and guidance.
• Develop and lead business change plans, ensuring initiatives embed effectively and deliver measurable impact.
• Build strong internal networks to identify upcoming needs early and shape projects from feasibility through to delivery.
• Serve as a subject matter expert across HR disciplines-particularly early talent, resourcing, people management and organisational change.
• Ensure all HR projects are delivered in line with our People Strategy, policy requirements and best practice.
• Support the delivery of targeted EDI interventions within early engagement , helping us reach underrepresented groups and strengthen diversity in our future talent pipeline.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

- Successful project and / or change management experience within an HR environment

- Demonstrable knowledge of project and programme management methodologies

- Successful employee and industrial relations experience

- Expert knowledge in one (or more) of the following HR disciplines: People Management, Talent Management, Recruitment & Resourcing, Redeployment, HR Systems and Technology implementations

- Knowledge of relevant HR legislation related to one of the above specialist disciplines

- Experience of managing cross functional teams in a client-focused environment with evidence of enabling the team to meet challenging deadlines

- Proven influencing, negotiation and relationship building/partnering skills (with both internal customers and external suppliers)

- Proven commercial and business management skills with good data analysis and reporting skills

Desirable:

Experience in developing and influencing HR strategy

People management experience
CIPD qualified

How to apply (External)

Salary: Band 3B (£46,701- £55,411) plus Inner London Allowance £3,270.

The position is is offered on a 1-year fixed-term basis. This role has the potential to be extended or made permanent. We reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high volume of applications. This role requires working from the office three days a week.

Closing date: 14 December 2025 - Late applications will not be accepted.

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Drugs and Alcohol Standard:

Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard has changed. All prospective candidates who are offered a conditional role, will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information