Project Manager - Rail Infrastructure (West)

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
SALARY: £51,919 - c£55,017/ Grade: ML2/SB1
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Manchester

HOURS: 37 hours per week

Railways never stand still. Behind every longer platform, upgraded depot, or improved station facility is a project that’s been carefully planned and delivered with precision. As part of our Infrastructure Change project team, you’d be shaping the spaces, systems, and infrastructure that keep Northern moving forward.

This Project Manager role puts you at the centre of transformation across the network. You’d manage a portfolio of infrastructure projects – from platform extensions to depot enhancements – working closely with teams across Northern and partners like Network Rail. It’s about making improvements happen in the real world, while keeping services running and customers moving.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and coordinating a portfolio of infrastructure projects across the Northern network
• Managing projects across a diverse and exciting range of rail infrastructure change and upgrades delivered both internally and in partnership with Network Rail
• Developing clear project scopes, plans, and deliverables – and keeping them on track
• Working with stakeholders across Northern and beyond to make sure projects are well designed and deliverable
• Balancing project delivery with day-to-day railway operations to minimise disruption
• Managing risks, issues, timelines, and resources across each stage of the project lifecycle
• Producing regular updates and reports, keeping stakeholders informed and aligned
• Supporting governance processes, including business cases and stage gate approvals
• Identifying opportunities to improve how projects are delivered and embedding best practice

About you

Organisation, collaboration, and delivery – that’s what keeps projects moving in the right direction.

You’ll bring:

• Experience managing projects in a complex environment within rail infrastructure
• Strong planning and project management skills, with a recognised qualification or equivalent experience
• Confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders and bringing people together
• A good understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards in project delivery
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage budgets, risks, and priorities
• Clear communication skills – able to turn plans into action and keep everyone on the same page
• The ability to balance competing demands and keep projects moving forward

If you’ve worked on depot, rolling stock, or station projects – or within the rail industry more broadly – that’s fantastic. What matters most is your ability to deliver meaningful change, safely and effectively.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.

Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.

Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.