Senior Consultant  (Project & Programme  Management Practice)

Who are we?

First Rail Consultancy provides specialist services across the public transport sector, particularly in the rail industry. We work closely with other FirstGroup plc businesses and external clients. We deliver a wide range of services to meet our clients' needs including business development, branding, data analysis, engineering, project management, editorial work, and training. We also engage in commercial activity for FirstGroup plc to expand our business, both nationally and internationally. This work encompasses everything from contract bids and business planning to developing software services and new rail routes.

We have assembled an experienced team with expertise in a range of disciplines and take great pride in being friendly, inclusive and supportive. We support all employees in their personal and professional development through training, academic qualifications, and interesting, varied project work.

About the job

Working as a as subject matter expert, you will provide professional project management expertise as part of our consultancy team. Assignments will involve a variety of projects and programme workstreams across different First Group businesses and external transport organisations.

The role and the nature of the work will give you a unique opportunity to develop knowledge of different business functions and organisations, delivering a wide range of end-to end projects, products or workstreams in a variety of business environments. As Senior Consultant, you will be working with a diverse group of clients in different businesses. It is important to appreciate this is not a ‘business as usual’ role and as consultants we balance the priorities of our clients with those our own organisation. Often, we work on several assignments for different clients at the same time, dividing and recording the time we spend on each piece of work. We find those who excel in our environment relish the variety and challenge experienced in the role.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Advise clients on good practice in project delivery, applying recognised approaches tailored to their business context and specific projects.

• Plan and deliver business projects and programmes using established project management methodologies.

• Create and maintain high‑quality project documentation across all stages of the project lifecycle.

• Manage and track project delivery, monitoring progress and providing clear reporting to support timely decision‑making.

• Manage and support project teams (where applicable) and wider stakeholder groups.

• Evaluate project outcomes, capture lessons learned, and support continuous improvement, including producing case studies.

• Ensure effective cross‑functional collaboration across internal and external stakeholders through strong communication.

• Comply with company policies and role‑model the principles and behaviours of the Be Safe programme.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the Group’s objectives and business plans.

• Build and sustain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with company values: Committed to Customers, Supportive of Each Other, Accountable for Performance, and Setting the Highest Standards.

• Deliver assignments within agreed time and cost constraints.

• Work flexibly across project‑based assignments, occasionally providing interim cover within client organisations.

• Record working time accurately for client invoicing.

• Travel to client locations as required.

• Participate in a mix of face‑to‑face and virtual meetings, workshops, and conferences.

• Coordinate effectively with clients and colleagues to ensure productive collaboration.

As a minimum you will need to have

• Broad project management and delivery skillset, with proven experience delivering projects and programmes across varied environments

• The ability to work independently, set priorities, and proactively drive progress.

• Strong organisational skills, self‑motivation, energy, and the ability to balance multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, tenacity, and the ability to influence decisions at all organisational levels.

• Strong knowledge of project controls, processes, governance, and systems.

• High attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, accessible, high‑quality documentation.

• Critical thinking skills to constructively challenge both project and business assumptions.

• Understanding of the ethical and appropriate use of AI tools.

The Reward

• Competitive salary and benefits

• 25 days Holiday plus National Bank Holidays

• Travel Offers for Bus and Rail *

• Shopping Discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more

• Buy as You Earn – allows you to buy shares each month. You can vary the amount you save or stop it at any time. You need to participate in the scheme for at least 3 years to receive the matching shares *

• Save as You Earn – allows you to use your savings after three years, to buy shares at a discounted price, or take your savings back as cash *

• Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider

• Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a Charity of your Choice

* After 6 months employment