Principal Project Manager

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional development authority in Sheffield is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead critical initiatives for the Mass Transit Renewal programme. This role involves overseeing multi-disciplinary teams and significant budgets to ensure timely project delivery. Excellent project management skills and strong stakeholder engagement are essential. The position offers a permanent full-time contract with a competitive salary and benefits, including hybrid working options and flexibility for work-life balance.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave entitlement ranging from 28 to 36 days

Hybrid working arrangements

Flexible Hours Scheme

Training and professional development support

Reimbursement of Professional Membership Fees

Qualifications

• Level 6 qualification in a highways, civils, transport engineering, or transport planning environment or equivalent experience.
• Practitioner-level project management skills (Prince2 or similar) or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and delivering large/and or complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive projects to ensure delivery against funding and timescales.
• Manage, lead and coach a team of Project Managers.
• Identify and manage interdependencies across projects.

Skills

Project management skills (Prince2 or similar)

Stakeholder engagement

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Commercial awareness

Problem-solving skills

Education

Level 6 qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Job description

Principal Project Manager

Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Department: Public Transport Development

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Mark Graham

Compensation: £55,949 - £59,907 / year

Description

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 12 £55,949 - £59,907
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

The Mass Transit Renewal programme is a critical investment to modernise and future‑proof the region’s transit systems. Given the scale, complexity, and strategic importance of the programme, the delivery team’s capacity needs to increase.

This is an exciting time to join SYMCA as we deliver this extensive asset renewal programme to upgrade the Supertram network and ensure the trams are reliable, safe, comfortable and fit for the future. Work has started and will continue over several years to renew the tram stops, the tracks, the traction power and the control & communications systems. The tram depot will be extensively refurbished and a fleet of new trams will be built and brought into use on the network.

As we look to grow the delivery team we’re looking for three Principal Project Managers to join us. You will play a key role in driving this ambitious programme of transformational change to public transport in South Yorkshire.

You’ll lead multi‑disciplinary teams and manage large budgets to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope. You’ll also be responsible for stakeholder engagement, governance compliance, and risk management throughout project lifecycles.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

Interviews will take place on Monday 2nd March 2026

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

About the role

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Driving a set of projects to ensure delivery against agreed funding, outputs, and timescales.
• Managing, leading and coaching a team of Project Managers.
• Identifying and managing interdependencies across the projects you are responsible for, working with others to do the same across the programme.
• Managing project budgets and ensuring robust financial control.
• Producing and maintaining accurate project documentation, including schedules, reports, risk logs, and forecasts.
• Proactively managing risks, issues, and changes to keep projects on track.
• Overseeing procurement processes, including tender documentation and contract administration.
• Building strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, partners, and the public, managing engagement effectively.

About you

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Level 6 qualification, ideally in a highways, civils, transport engineering, or transport planning environment or equivalent experience.
• Practitioner‑level project management skills (Prince2 or similar) or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and delivering large/and or complex projects.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Excellent communication skills, able to produce clear, concise reports and advice for diverse audiences.
• Commercial awareness.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving and adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include – Holiday Entitlement

Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.

Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.

Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time‑off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.

Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.

Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.

Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

If candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact [e-mail] or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.