Project and Programme Manager - Light Rail Systems

Transport for Greater Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 87,205 - 98,152; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave starting at 28 days

Free travel on buses across Greater Manchester

Local Government defined pension scheme

Enhanced family-friendly leave policies

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A transport authority in Greater Manchester is seeking a Project and Programme Manager to lead the procurement and renewal of its Tram Management System. This role requires senior experience in safety-critical rail systems and involves collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders to enhance services for communities. The position offers a permanent contract with a competitive salary and numerous benefits including generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in leading complex projects or programmes in safety-critical rail systems.
• Understanding of supervisory control systems operations and management.
• Experience in leading technical project teams to achieve shared outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of Technology Partner for renewing Tram Management Systems.
• Develop high-performing programme teams in an inclusive environment.
• Establish relationships with Technology Partner and stakeholders.

Skills

Leading complex projects

Building collaborative relationships

Problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is embarking on a generational programme to renew and enhance Metrolink — the UK’s largest light rail network.

We’re looking for an experienced systems professional with a background in light or heavy rail (such as signalling, power, or communications) who thrives on collaboration and building trust. If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead complex technical programmes that directly improve services for Greater Manchester’s communities, this could be the role for you!

As part of our Metrolink Portfolio Team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the Bee Network through long-term systems renewal and upcoming network expansion projects.

Your Role

As a Project and Programme Manager within the Metrolink Portfolio at Transport for Greater Manchester you will work in partnership to:

• Lead an integrated, multi-disciplinary team on all aspects of the procurement of a long-term Technology Partner to renew, upgrade & modify our Tram Management System, which will ensure the existing system continues to function safely and effectively and ensures future expansion of the system (new stops, lines, fleet)
• Support and develop high-performing programme teams, creating an inclusive and empowering environment where colleagues can learn, thrive, and deliver on shared commitments. You’ll champion continuous improvement across the Portfolio.
• Facilitate the development of an integrated delivery schedule for the Metrolink Systems Programme. This schedule will inform critical decision-making and align our work with other major programmes, including renewals, enhancements, extensions, and fleet upgrades.
• Lead on establishing an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship with the appointed Technology Partner, respective teams and senior internal / external stakeholders.

In addition, you will be a key member of the Management Group taking an active role in leading the day to day running of the Projects Group function, within TfGM.

Who are we?

Projects Group is a collaborative, multidisciplinary department of around 150 colleagues at TfGM. We lead the planning and delivery of projects and programmes that help improve transport for people across Greater Manchester!

This position is part of the Metrolink programme team, which plays a vital role in sustaining, growing and transforming the Bee Network – With Metrolink at its heart! You’ll be helping to deliver meaningful improvements for the thousands of residents, businesses, and visitors who depend on our transport infrastructure each day.

As well as developing and delivering an ambitious programme of funded schemes you will have the opportunity to help shape future Metrolink infrastructure proposals, working closely with our operator partner and other key stakeholders.

What you’ll bring

• You’ll bring senior experience in leading complex projects or programmes within safety‑critical rail systems, including supervisory control systems and their interfaces such as signalling, power, and communications. You’ll understand how these systems operate in a live environment and how to manage their development, renewal, and delivery.
• You’ll also have experience in leading and supporting teams in technical project or programme settings, creating an environment where people can perform at their best and contribute to shared outcomes.
• You’ll be confident in building strong, collaborative relationships with a wide range of supply chain partners, using your communication skills to engage effectively with senior stakeholders across political, professional, and public audiences.
• You’ll have strong problem‑solving and negotiation skills, with the ability to interpret complex written and numerical information to support decision‑making, meet funding requirements, and keep programmes on schedule.

What we can offer you

This is a permanent role in the Metrolink Programme Team sat within Projects Group with a salary range between £87,205 and £98,152 per annum dependent upon demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience.

As part of our commitment to professional growth and a positive team culture, you will also benefit from opportunities for ongoing personal and career development, flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance, and access to a comprehensive package of benefits as outlined below. At TfGM, we value diversity and encourage colleagues to explore flexible working options, ensuring that those who join our team feel empowered, supported, and well equipped to make a real difference to Greater Manchester’s transport future.

Our benefits include:

• Generous annual leave starting at 28 days (plus bank holidays), with options to buy more.
• Free travel on buses across Greater Manchester, plus rail or Metrolink travel to and from work.
• Local Government defined pension scheme with life cover of 3x salary and options to boost your contributions.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave policies including those supporting fertility treatment, alongside flexible and hybrid working and a special leave policy to support a range of unexpected events. Please note that qualification criteria may apply, including a requirement to have been employed with the organisation for a minimum specified period of time.
• Discover more benefits including wellbeing support, Personal and Career Development, Flexible working, financial support and more on our website

What's next?

If you believe you have the skills and experience required, we’d really like to hear from you. To apply, please submit a covering letter and supporting CV (including full employment history) by Sunday 8th February 2026. To be considered, the covering letter is required to provide clear examples of how your experience meets the following essential requirements of the role:

• Procurement of complex, high-value safety critical rail control systems and related sub-systems.
• Extensive experience in leading the successful delivery of complex, high-value safety critical rail control systems and related sub-systems, as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Experience of senior leadership positions within the rail industry, working effectively with a broad spectrum of senior stakeholders, to achieve high levels of performance.

Interviews will take place in person during week commencing 2nd March 2026 and all appointments will be based on merit. Our short‑listing process is anonymised, so please do not include your name or contact details on either of these documents. If any personal details are included these will be visible to the hiring manager.