Framework Manager / Director – Electrification & Plant (E&P)

Location: Manchester or Birmingham (Hybrid – WCML coverage)
Salary: £85,000 – £110,000 + Car/Allowance + Pension + Healthcare + Bonus

Lead the Future of Electrification on the West Coast Mainline

We are partnered with a respected Tier 1 Rail & Civil Engineering Contractor renowned for delivering high-quality Network Rail frameworks across the UK. As part of their continued success, they are now seeking a Framework Manager or Director to lead the CP7 Electrification & Plant (E&P) framework across Network Rail’s North West & Central region, supporting delivery on one of the country’s most critical and complex transport corridors — the West Coast Mainline.

This role presents a unique opportunity to shape and grow a major E&P framework from the early design stages through to delivery, as part of a forward-thinking, well-capitalised, and steadily expanding infrastructure group.

The Framework & Workbank

• Design & Build Projects: £10m – £50m
• Current portfolio includes multiple £30m+ multidisciplinary packages
• Scope: Power upgrades for HS and freight services – including 11kV & 33kV substations, HV cabling/troughing, OLE, civils, and plant
• Projects are in Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, offering early-stage influence on design and solution development

You’ll lead both client-facing strategy and internal delivery performance – reporting directly to the board while playing a central role in building an industry-leading E&P delivery capability.

Your Role & Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver E&P projects across the West Coast Mainline with a focus on safety, quality, and cost efficiency
• Develop and implement the strategic growth plan for the E&P framework in alignment with Network Rail objectives
• Engage directly with Network Rail during design and development phases to influence scope and build trusted relationships
• Oversee project teams, engineering functions, and CREs, ensuring effective delivery of complex electrification infrastructure
• Lead on commercial, technical, and resource planning, managing budgets and optimising framework performance
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across all workstreams
• Drive stakeholder engagement across internal teams, clients, design partners, and supply chain

Why Join?

• Security & Growth: A leading contractor with multiple long-term frameworks across rail, highways, and energy
• Backed by Investment: Recent strategic acquisitions, including a specialist HV power design consultancy, strengthen internal capabilities
• Early Influence: Join during ECI to shape delivery methods, design integration, and stakeholder strategy
• Future Progression: Role open to Framework Manager or Director level, depending on experience and ambition

What We’re Looking For

• Proven track record of Programme Management / Framework Leadership on E&P or complex rail infrastructure projects
• Deep technical understanding of electrification systems (OLE, substations, HV cabling) and Network Rail standards
• Previous experience working for a Tier 1 contractor (essential)
• Degree-qualified Engineer (Electrical/Civil preferred); Chartered status advantageous
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and team development skills
• Commercial acumen with an ability to balance performance, safety, and innovation

Ideal for:

• Senior Project Managers looking to step into a framework leadership role
• Existing Framework Managers / Directors ready to lead a strategically important workstream
• Electrification or E&P experts ready to shape national rail delivery

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