For South Asian Heritage Month, we wanted to interview Manbir Cheema who works as a Programme Manager in the Network Rail Southern region. Manbir is a trained Project Manager and took part in a targeted female recruitment campaign in the region to urge more women and minorities to apply for roles that they may not otherwise consider. We asked Manbir a few questions about herself, her South-Asian background and her role within Network Rail so we could find out more.
Can you tell me a little bit about your career background?
Since I left University, I have always worked in the transport industry. I started my career in transport in Group Planning for Transport for London. This role definitely piqued my interest as I have an eye for numbers and did statistical work around regression analysis on the factors affecting the underground travel demand profile and then I planned the bus routes around Shoreditch. I loved it but I remember everyone around me kept telling me not to stay in my first company for too long and to try and spread my wings.
Taking this on board, I joined British Railways as an Analyst working on Capital projects. I worked on projects with a value greater than £5m and working out the Discounted Cash flow analysis to see whether the projects had a business case or not. In this role, I really learnt the nitty gritty side of the business. These skills have helped me to this day.
Then privatisation happened, and I ended up working as a Strategy Analyst for one of the Freight companies. During this time, I started doing an MBA which British Rail paid for and I am forever grateful. I then had my two children, took a break of two years and then came back into project management roles and that is what I have been doing in the last 23 years.
As it is South Asian Heritage Month, please can you tell us a little bit about your South Asian background?
So I am Indian and hail from Punjab. I came to the UK as a 3 year old and then was sent to study in Punjab at the age of 7. I stayed with my grandparents for just over 7 years and came back to the UK when I was 14. The reason my parents sent me back to study was so that I could grow up away from the racism that they came across and wanted to protect me and my siblings. Growing up in Punjab gave me the freedoms that I would not have had here and although it is difficult to be away from your parents, I now appreciate the richness of experience and culture that came with that experience.
I am a Sikh and my faith is really important to me. My faith has shaped me in building my internal resilience which means I rarely give up and I never give up hope. That trait has helped me to persevere and to carry on even when there are a number of challenges facing me. I remember two words which see me through many scenarios - Nothing lasts forever so be patient (Sabar) and - be Grateful for what you have (Shukar).
What do you like the most about your job?
I love the variety of my job. It keeps me on my toes, and it challenges me to think differently and to try and look at different aspects of my job objectively. It is very easy to stick to how things were done before but technology and new systems and new processes encourage, coerce and sometimes even force you to adapt and change. I may not appreciate it always but the change does me good.
Can you tell me a little bit about your role day to day?
Since taking part in this recruitment campaign, I have been promoted to a Programme Manager role. As a Programme Manager I believe that my role is to support my team in the challenges that they face as they develop and deliver the enhancement portfolio. In some cases I might delve into the detail of the issue to help solve a problem. In other instances, I might need to escalate the issue upwards to get a resolution. Ensuring that the teams have the right level and calibre of resources to deliver the different stages of the projects in a timely manner within budget. No one day is the same.
What piece of advice would you give to anyone wanting to apply to apply for a role like yours?
Don't be daunted by applying for a job in the project world. As long as you have a can-do attitude and are willing to learn, that is a good start. Being interested in problem solving, taking the initiative, and working as part of a team are absolutely crucial to this role.
What would you say is a career highlight for you?
One of the greatest feelings I have had in my career is resolving a tricky situation with no impact on the cost or on the project timeline. I have carried out a large number of projects in the early Development stages, and when the project gets to the end of a stage, and the Sponsor signs the project off as having attained that stage - that is a great feeling. Not just from a sense of accomplishment but also because these complex projects ultimately help our customers and passengers in some way. I love having a sense of purpose.
Is it difficult to balance your family and work life?
At the time I had my first child, I was travelling up to Doncaster twice a week from London. Spending so much time away from my child wasn’t right for me and I was in a position to leave work for a couple of years. When I came back to work, again I was lucky to join a team where I was allowed to work part time for 3 days a week. This gave me the work life balance that was right for my family and me. Network Rail has allowed me to do this. This allowed me to attend the Friday morning assemblies and get involved with school activities and also for a time be a school governor. It is important to give back to the school by being involved with supporting activities as required. There are a lot more opportunities now for parents for some sort of flexible/condensed working to allow a better work life balance.
What interests do you have outside of work?
I like to keep up with what is happening around the world and reading to expand my knowledge. I love looking at google maps and exploring the world through the Google lens and planning the next holiday. I also enjoy preserving food by making pickles, marmalade and jam.
At Network Rail, we are committed to creating work environments that are diverse, inclusive, and ultimately safe for our colleagues and for our passengers. We’re working hard to become an organisation that’s at the forefront of gender equality across the rail industry. As part of this commitment, we have launched a targeted female recruitment campaign within the Southern region, so we can attract, develop and retain females and create a pipeline of diverse talent in the rail industry. If you would like to find out more and would like to apply to any of our vacancies, please click here.
