ETCS Project Manager

Northern; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Travel

Generous Pension

Enhanced Family Benefits

Cycle to Work

Electric Car Scheme

Exclusive Discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and Career Development

Recognition

Job summary

Northern is seeking an ETCS Project Manager to coordinate and manage projects for the European Train Control System rollout across York, Leeds and Manchester. You will own project plans, generate reports for leadership and industry partners, and ensure data integrity across Teams and SharePoint.

The role requires strong PMO experience, MSP/PRINCE2 qualifications, and the ability to turn complex data into clear reporting for governance and contractual oversight.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a Programme Management Office (PMO), including managing the tools, processes and information that support successful project delivery.
• Experience using project and programme management software and systems.
• Excellent organisation skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate reports to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with people across different teams and organisations.
• The ability to understand complex or technical information and turn it into clear, useful reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain project plans across short, medium and long-term timescales, working with teams across Northern and industry partners.
• Lead the preparation of regular project reports for internal teams, senior leaders and industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate reporting for programme steering committees, making sure information is accurate, consistent and easy to understand.
• Bring together information from different teams and make sure reports and data tell a consistent story.
• Manage the ETCS programme information held in Teams, SharePoint and other reporting systems, creating a reliable central source of information.
• Develop and improve document control processes, making it easier to manage, find and share important programme information.
• Look for opportunities to digitise reporting and document management, reducing manual processes and making information flow more effectively.
• Work with project and programme teams to improve reporting processes, share good practice and introduce more efficient ways of working.
• Make sure reporting aligns with Northern’s governance arrangements and wider programme requirements.
• Support the Head of TRU in meeting contractual obligations to Network Rail.
• Help ensure the technical and compliance requirements of the CAF ETCS Upgrade contract are delivered.
• Work across functions and organisations, building effective relationships with colleagues and external partners to keep projects and reporting on track.

Skills

Project management

Organization

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

MSP/PRINCE2 qualification

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

Job description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Strategic Development
SALARY: £53,789 - £55,656 / Grade:ML2/SB1
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York, Leeds, Manchester
HOURS: 37

Be part of a programme that’s helping shape the future of rail in the North.

As an ETCS Project Manager at Northern, you’ll work closely with our Head of TRU, ETCS Programme Manager and ETCS team to coordinate and manage projects that support the introduction and delivery of the European Train Control System (ETCS). You’ll bring together people, plans, information and reporting across a complex programme, making sure everyone has a clear view of what’s happening, what needs to happen next and where attention is needed.

You’ll have a key role in connecting Northern with major industry partners including Network Rail, CAF, the Department for Transport and other train operators. It’s a role where your project management skills will have a visible impact, helping us deliver safely, efficiently and in line with the governance and commitments that underpin these major programmes.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll take ownership of the project management activity that supports Northern’s ETCS workstreams. That means keeping plans moving, making sense of complex information and making sure the right people have the right information at the right time.

You’ll:

• Manage and maintain project plans across short, medium and long-term timescales, working with teams across Northern and our industry partners.
• Lead the preparation of regular project reports for internal teams, senior leaders and industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate reporting for programme steering committees, making sure information is accurate, consistent and easy to understand.
• Bring together information from different teams and make sure reports and data tell a consistent story.
• Manage the ETCS programme information held in Teams, SharePoint and other reporting systems, creating a reliable central source of information.
• Develop and improve document control processes, making it easier to manage, find and share important programme information.
• Look for opportunities to digitise reporting and document management, reducing manual processes and making information flow more effectively.
• Work with project and programme teams to improve reporting processes, share good practice and introduce more efficient ways of working.
• Make sure reporting aligns with Northern’s governance arrangements and wider programme requirements.
• Support the Head of TRU in meeting contractual obligations to Network Rail.
• Help ensure the technical and compliance requirements of the CAF ETCS Upgrade contract are delivered.
• Work across functions and organisations, building effective relationships with colleagues and external partners to keep projects and reporting on track.

About you

You know how to bring structure to complex projects and can turn a lot of information into something people can understand and act on.

You’ll bring:

• Experience working in a Programme Management Office (PMO), including managing the tools, processes and information that support successful project delivery.
• Strong project and programme management skills, with a relevant qualification or accreditation such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), PRINCE2 or another stage-gate project or programme management approach, or be working towards one.
• Experience using project and programme management software and systems.
• Excellent organisation skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate reports to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with people across different teams and organisations.
• A flexible and resourceful approach, with the ability to help project managers apply effective project management processes and tools.
• The ability to understand complex or technical information and turn it into clear, useful reporting.

Knowledge of the UK rail sector would be useful, as would experience of establishing or developing a PMO, governance framework or project management capability. But what matters most is your ability to bring people, information and processes together to make projects work.

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.