Assistant Project Manager

Ceto Talent; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 74,000; Part time

Job summary

Ceto Talent is seeking an experienced Scheme Project Manager – Asset Protection for Derby with hybrid working (60% office-based). The role covers end-to-end rail project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and interface management with the operational railway.

UK-wide schemes, including upgrades and safety-focused delivery, form the core of the programme. The ideal candidate will bring PRINCE2 and APM credentials, proven rail project delivery, and strong governance, risk, and budget management

Qualifications

• Degree in Project Management or a related discipline.
• PRINCE2 Foundation (or equivalent).
• Membership of, or working towards, the Association for Project Management (APM).
• Demonstrable experience delivering projects within the rail sector.
• Knowledge of operational railway infrastructure and project delivery processes.
• Understanding of project controls, commercial management, and programme delivery.
• Experience managing project budgets and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislation, including CDM Regulations and CSM-RA.

Responsibilities

• Leading the delivery of high-value, multidisciplinary rail projects.
• Managing operational railway interface risks and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinating stakeholders and ensuring regulatory governance compliance.
• Working with CDM duty holders to maintain compliance with legislation.
• Managing project resources, programmes, budgets, and performance reporting.
• Supporting infrastructure change processes and safety assurance activities.
• Identifying risks, lessons learned, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Building strong relationships with clients, delivery partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Rail project management

Stakeholder management

Governance & reporting

Budget management

Education

Degree in Project Management or related

Tools

PRINCE2

APM standards

CDM Regulations

Job description

Scheme Project Manager – Asset Protection

Location: Derby (Hybrid Working - 60% Office Based)

Salary: c£350 - £400 per day - Umbrella

Contract Type: Contract

About the Opportunity

Ceto Talent is partnering with a leading rail consultancy to recruit an experienced Scheme Project Manager – Asset Protection to support the successful delivery of major rail infrastructure and enhancement projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex, high-profile schemes across the UK rail network, including station upgrades, signalling improvements, infrastructure enhancements, and multidisciplinary project delivery. The role offers the chance to play a key part in safely managing interfaces with the operational railway while driving projects from development through to completion.

The Role

As Scheme Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of rail projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and governance requirements while managing stakeholder relationships across a complex project environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of high-value, multidisciplinary rail projects.
• Managing operational railway interface risks and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinating stakeholders and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and governance processes.
• Working alongside CDM duty holders to maintain compliance with relevant legislation.
• Managing project resources, programmes, budgets, and performance reporting.
• Supporting infrastructure change processes and safety assurance activities.
• Identifying project risks, lessons learned, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Building strong relationships with clients, delivery partners, and key stakeholders.
• Supporting accident, incident, and close-call investigations where required.

About You

We are looking for a project management professional with a strong background in the rail industry and a detailed understanding of working within an operational railway environment.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Project Management or a related discipline.
• PRINCE2 Foundation (or equivalent qualification).
• Membership of, or working towards membership of, the Association for Project Management (APM).
• Demonstrable experience delivering projects within the rail sector.
• Knowledge of operational railway infrastructure and project delivery processes.
• Understanding of project controls, commercial management, and programme delivery.
• Experience managing project budgets and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislation, including CDM Regulations and CSM-RA.
• Experience working with railway possessions and isolations.

Desirable Experience

• Experience delivering third-party projects on Network Rail infrastructure.
• Understanding of the Asset Protection (ASPRO) process.
• Full project lifecycle experience.
• Consultancy-based project management experience.