Key Information
Job title: Principal Sponsor
Salary: From £56,000 Grade: Band 3
Contract type: TfL Reference: 4158
Team: Various Directorate: Investment Planning (IP)
Contract details: Combination Location: Southwark, London SE1 with hybrid working
Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements
Application closing date: 27 April 2026 @ 2359
All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory right‑to‑work checks. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. At the present time TfL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Overview of project/role
Investment Planning sits at the heart of TfL’s work to shape London’s transport future, bringing together strategy, evidence and collaboration to guide how and where TfL invests.
As a Principal Sponsor in the Environment and Technology team, you’ll be accountable for the realisation of environmental outcomes, which include both TfL and London’s net zero carbon ambitions and continuing to improve air quality for the city. You’ll work across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders on cutting-edge innovative projects to deliver the right outcomes in an affordable way, that maximises value for money. This is a dynamic and strategic role where you will be directly influencing one of TfL’s most important commitments to achieve net zero carbon.
There may also be a possibility of working in the Network Development and Station Enhancements team, where you’ll be accountable for supporting the development and delivery of station enhancements and new stations across the London Underground, DLR and London Overground networks. You’ll work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to shape projects that improve accessibility and connectivity, with a particular focus on London Underground Step‑Free Access and third‑party funded schemes that help unlock new homes and jobs for Londoners. Through this work, you’ll play a key role in contributing to the delivery of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and the London Plan, supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development across the capital.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where wellbeing and flexibility are a priority. Many of our colleagues already benefit from part-time and job-share arrangements, and we welcome applications from those who work flexibly or would like to explore these options.
Key Accountabilities
Your duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Lead and inspire teams role-modelling TfL’s Vision and Values
- Translate strategic objectives into prioritised investment options and early-stage project activities
- Ensure projects align with strategic outcomes and deliver value for money
- Develop business cases and supporting documentation to secure funding and approvals
- Provide first-line assurance and hold delivery teams accountable for outcomes
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to maintain financial and political support
- Oversee transparent reporting and respond to external information requests
- Monitor benefits realisation and share lessons learned to improve future investment
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a complex organisation to achieve business outcomes (Essential)
- Ability to present recommendations to senior colleagues and facilitate and negotiate with groups and individuals to achieve desired outputs (Essential)
- Ability to work in cross business teams, resolving conflict as it arises and motivating and managing direct reports (Essential)
- Good written and verbal communication skills with an ability to work in an innovative but structured manner (Essential)
- Highly numerate, good IT skills, detail conscious and well organised with an ability to work under minimal guidance (Essential)
Knowledge
- Degree level education or equivalent professional experience (Essential)
- In depth knowledge of project technical skills aligned to the sponsor role e.g. governance, commercial and stakeholder management techniques (Essential)
Experience
- Experience of delivering or sponsoring transport projects in large complex, regulated organisations where there are multiple interfaces, and delivering to time and budget (Essential)
- Experience of one of more of the following: financial management and budget setting, governance, early-stage project definition and initiation, requirements setting, business case development and benefit management and realisation, major project consents e.g. Transport and Works Act Orders (Essential)
- Experience of negotiating and communicating with challenging stakeholders (Essential)
- Experience of leading, developing, and motivating colleagues / teams in a matrix environment (Essential)
Application Process
- Please apply using your CV and a one-page cover letter
- Think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience in the advert and cover this in your CV and cover letter
- PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images
Interviews are scheduled to take place from 26 May 2026
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. We also use anonymising software that removes identifying information from CVs and cover letters to make the process fair.
Benefits
In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the level of role but mostly include the below:
- Final salary pension scheme
- Free travel for you on the TfL network
- Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home
- 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
- TfL is committed to work-life balance, operating a hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow
- Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional)
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
- Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
- Discounted Eurostar travel
We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.
Vetting Process
At Transport for London, safety, trust and fairness sit at the heart of how we recruit. Our Vetting Charter (https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/our-vetting-process) explains the checks we carry out before you join us, helping ensure we create a safe, inclusive and reliable network for everyone who depends on our services. We simply ask that the information you provide is honest and accurate so we can progress your application smoothly. If something doesn’t match or can’t be verified, we may not be able to move forward with your application, but we’ll always treat you with transparency, respect, and clear communication throughout.