Rail Construction Assurance Lead – Hybrid

We are looking for an experienced rail Construction Manager with a solid rail infrastructure background to work on a long term contract. This inside‑IR35 contract is based in York, offering hybrid working with three days per week in the office.

About the Role
This role is responsible for delivering robust construction assurance across a varied third‑party portfolio. You will act as a key site representative, ensuring safe, compliant delivery of construction activities and maintaining strong governance and oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities
Construction Assurance & Governance

• Undertake regular site visits to provide governance, assurance, and monitoring of construction activities.
• Ensure proportionate and effective risk mitigation measures are implemented on site.
• Track and report discrepancies between planned and actual work, ensuring issues are escalated and resolved.
• Support the team to deliver construction assurance to meet regional demand.

Compliance, Standards & Documentation

• Validate design risk assessments, interdisciplinary checks, and carry out constructability reviews through audit.
• Ensure full compliance with Railway Group Standards, procedures, and relevant legislation.
• Review and approve Construction Phase Plans, Work Package Plans, and site‑specific risk assessments.
• Ensure all Health & Safety documentation and design assurance are accepted and approved prior to site works commencing.
• Manage and document construction risks, non‑conformances, and mitigation plans.

Technical & On‑Site Representation

• Act as a site representative, promoting safe systems of work and compliance with approved designs.
• Conduct inspections to ensure environmental, safety, and engineering requirements are met.
• Provide input into method statements, ITPs, RAMS, and acceptance processes.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, outside parties, contractors, and internal site teams.
• Attend planning meetings, providing guidance on access, logistics, and construction sequencing.
• Interface with project teams, designers, and operational staff to support smooth project delivery.

Process & Data Management

• Support the AMP/EIS process for accurate asset data exchange and maintenance requirements.
• Contribute to incident investigations, audits, and lessons‑learned activities.
• Maintain detailed evidence to support risk, compliance, and assurance reporting.

Working Pattern

• Flexibility to work nights and/or weekends when required based on project needs.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong experience working within the rail environments, ideally with Construction Management, or Engineering Assurance.
• In‑depth knowledge of Network Rail standards, construction assurance processes, railway safety, and CDM Regulations.
• Proven ability to manage third‑party works impacting operational railway infrastructure.
• Skilled in reviewing technical documentation, ensuring safety compliance, and overseeing site operations.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent in identifying, managing, and reporting construction risks and non‑conformances.
• PTS certification required (or willingness to obtain).
• Highly proactive, organised, and confident operating both independently and within a wider regional team.

Contract Details

• IR35: Inside
• Location: York (Hybrid - 3 days office based)
• Start: April
• Rate: Competitive (via umbrella)

If you're an experienced construction assurance professional with a strong Network Rail infrastructure background, please get in touch and send your CV