Bernie Rowell
Project Director - Rolling Stock Depots Mobile Plant @HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
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WORK HISTORY
Project Director - Rolling Stock Depots Mobile Plant @HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
Birmingham & London, GB
Leading the integrated client team delivering circa £3bn of core railway systems assets for HS2 including:• High-Speed Rolling Stock being manufactured by the Hitachi-Alstom Joint Venture; and• Train Maintenance Depot and Network Integrated Control Centre design & build at Washwood Heath• On-Track Machines / Mobile Plant delivery to support infrastructure maintenance of the HS2 NetworkProvide strategic direction and operational oversight for multi-disciplinary teams across project management, engineering, commercial, project controls, sponsorship, and consultancy, with a total headcount of 40–50 spanning multiple delivery phases.Accountable for end-to-end project performance — defining and controlling cost, schedule, quality, safety, and risk parameters to meet HS2’s business and programme objectives. Report directly to the Executive Team on progress, performance, and emerging risks.Operate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team with financial and contractual authority up to £25m, ensuring robust governance and compliant delivery across NEC3 and CDM obligations.Lead the integration of project schedules within the wider Railway Systems Programme to secure alignment with the overall Operational Concept and Delivery into Service milestones.Key achievements and responsibilities include:• Oversight of the Rolling Stock procurement and contract delivery programme with the Hitachi–Alstom Joint Venture.• Leadership of governance and approvals processes across HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport for major commercial and technical decisions.• Author of the Rolling Stock Contract Management Plan, establishing the strategic framework for managing supplier performance under the Manufacture and Supply Agreement (MSA) and Train Service Agreement (TSA).• Direct line management of project and delivery leads, fostering a high performance culture focused on integration, collaboration, and disciplined execution.
EDUCATION
University of Birmingham
Master of Science (MSc), Railway Systems Engineering and Integration
University of Nottingham
Master of Engineering (MEng), Mechanical Engineering
SKILLS
ABOUT BERNIE ROWELL
Senior Project Leader and Chartered Engineer with significant end-to-end rail experience spanning rolling stock, franchise bidding, asset management, operations and major infrastructure delivery. Proven track record operating at Senior Leadership Team level, setting strategic direction, leading integrated, cross-functional teams and shaping board-level decisions on multi billion pound programmes.Chartered Engineer (IMechE) with an MSc in Railway Systems Engineering and Integration (Distinction), MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, NEC3 ECC Project Manager accreditation and membership of the Association for Project Management.Recognised for turning complex, politically sensitive programmes into clear delivery plans, aligning stakeholders including government, supply chain partners and operators to shared objectives. Has a leadership style which is collaborative, reflective and structured: creating clarity of remit, encouraging broad option thinking and driving decisions that balance time, cost, quality and safety to deliver tangible benefits for passengers and stakeholders.Currently accountable for Client-side delivery of HS2’s new high-speed rolling stock and depot portfolio (~£3bn), with financial delegation up to £25m and direct/indirect leadership of teams of up to 60 specialists across project management, engineering, commercial, project controls, procurement and legal.Key achievements include acting as lead author and “guiding mind” for Contract Management & Delivery Plans, and playing an integral role in the HS2 train specification and interior passenger experience vision. Earlier career highlights include Engineering Workstream Lead roles on the winning East Anglia and West Midlands franchise bids, senior engineering and consultancy roles with Hitachi Rail Europe, Steer Davies Gleave and Angel Trains, and technical advisory positions on major Australian rolling stock and fast rail programmes.
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