Project Manager

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Project Manager for a 9-month fixed-term opportunity in Milton Keynes. The role involves managing innovative projects to enhance railway operations, requiring strong project management skills and experience in HR change management. Candidates should be adept at navigating complexity and fostering stakeholder relationships.

Benefits

Flexible/hybrid working considered

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days)

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets

Interest-free travel loans for season tickets

Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Qualifications

• Experience managing projects end-to-end.
• Demonstrable knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Successful experience in employee and industrial relations.

Responsibilities

• Drive project delivery and manage risks and schedules.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to meet strategic goals.
• Transition projects from trial to full deployment.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Negotiation

Education

Experience in HR and Change Management

Job description

Location

Milton Keynes, GB

Department Name

Human Resources

About Network Rail

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments, click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

Vacancy Details

Duration: 9-month secondment/fixed-term contract with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval; discuss this with them before applying).

Location: Based in London/Milton Keynes. Full-time opportunity with flexible working patterns considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes of the office or be willing to self-relocate.

Band & Salary: £46,701 - £53,589 (Band 3B). Salary offered will be within the range and dependent on experience.

Who are we looking for?

We're recruiting for an exciting programme supporting Network Rail and the industry in developing and deploying innovative trials to help build a better railway. This includes areas such as stations, operations control, train performance management, timetable planning, and more.

We have three project manager (change) positions supporting projects within environments like operations control, stations, and workforce management.

You’ll need experience managing projects end-to-end, leading to successful delivery of objectives. You’ll enjoy working with colleagues at all levels and creating and executing rapid deployment approaches for solutions. Working at pace, you’ll need to anticipate next steps to lead and drive projects to meet deliverables.

Key attributes:

• Enjoys complexity: Finds navigating large-scale projects invigorating and can simplify the complex.
• Innovative: Seeks out innovative solutions to enhance project outcomes.
• Strong communicator: Conveys complex information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Agile: Adapts to rapidly changing environments and pivots project direction as needed without losing momentum.

About The Role (External)

What does the average day look like?

Your day involves working with systems thinking experts to drive project delivery, collaborating with stakeholders across routes, regions, and the industry to meet strategic goals on time and within budget. You’ll manage risks, schedules, stakeholder engagement, and track project benefits, ensuring strong communication and reporting in line with programme governance.

You’ll also play a key role in transitioning the project from trial to full deployment, working with the team to build scalable frameworks for successful industry-wide implementation.

Essential Criteria

• Project and Programme Management: Demonstrable knowledge of project and programme management methodologies, with proven experience managing cross-functional teams to meet challenging deadlines in a client-focused environment.
• Employee and Industrial Relations: Successful experience in managing employee and industrial relations, ensuring smooth collaboration within teams and with external stakeholders.
• HR and Change Management: Experience in successful project or change management within an HR environment, with expertise in one or more HR disciplines (People Management, Talent Management, Recruitment & Resourcing, Redeployment, HR Systems, and Technology implementations).
• Commercial and Business Management: Proven skills in data analysis, reporting, and applying these to drive project success.
• Relationship Management: Excellent influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with experience working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• HR Legislation Knowledge: Solid understanding of relevant HR legislation pertaining to one or more HR disciplines. For full key accountabilities, essential, and desirable criteria, click apply to be redirected to the Network Rail careers site.

How To Apply (External)

Additional Information

If you have questions or require reasonable adjustments, contact IREC support at [e-mail]. Please have the IREC number (IRC2317848) ready.

Closing date: Sunday 1st June. Applications may close early based on volume. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews scheduled for the week commencing 9th June, depending on business needs.

Applicants should demonstrate awareness of our Safety Vision, as safe behaviour is a requirement at Network Rail.

Application Process

• First Sift: CVs will be sifted against essential criteria.
• Assessment: Includes competency-based questions and an assessment task.

All employment offers are conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks. For more info, click here.

Benefits

• Flexible/hybrid working considered.
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with buy/sell options.
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest-free travel loans for season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.