Project Management Assistant

Network Rail; Smethwick; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A national railway infrastructure organization in the United Kingdom seeks a proactive Project Coordinator to oversee daily project management and ensure safety compliance. Responsibilities include monitoring project timelines, managing contractor performance, and adhering to HSQE standards. Ideal candidates will have project management experience, relevant education (HND/HNC), and a keen focus on detail. Offering competitive salaries between £25,900 - £35,000 with extensive benefits including discounted travel and pension schemes, this role is vital for supporting the future of rail transport. Applications close on January 16, 2026.

Benefits

Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days)

Discounted travel options

Contributory pension schemes

Qualifications

• Some management experience including project management.
• HSQE awareness, issues and principles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate projects in accordance with Network Rail standards.
• Monitor project progress and report against key milestones.
• Manage contractor possession and isolation applications.

Skills

Project management

HSQE awareness

Attention to detail

Education

HND / HNC or similar standard

Degree or equivalent

Job description

About Network Rail

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24 / 7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.

West Coast South : Keeping Britain Moving 🚆

Stretching from Crewe to London Euston, West Coast South is part of Europe's busiest mixed-use railway-moving millions of passengers and 10% of the UK's freight each year. With over 1,000 miles of track and 64 stations, it's a vital link between major cities and local communities.

As part of the North West & Central region , we serve 1.3 million passengers daily and move 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly-covering a quarter of the national network.

We're focused on delivering safe, reliable journeys and building a better railway, while championing diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We also support flexible and hybrid working - if it works, we'll make it happen. Please click here for more information.

Brief Description

You’ll play a key role in the day-to-day coordination of projects in line with the Guide to Railway Investment Projects (GRIP), Network Rail standards, and CDM Regulations. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects that shape the future of rail transport.

This role will be based out of Birmingham, Smethwick Rolfe Street Depot.

About the role (External)

We're seeking a proactive, detail-focused individual to help ensure the successful delivery of projects through all phases-meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and upholding the highest quality standards. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in promoting safety and environmental responsibility throughout each stage of the project lifecycle.

Your responsibilities will include monitoring project progress and reporting against key milestones using established tools and processes. You’ll also contribute to the development and upkeep of support systems that enable Project Managers to handle change efficiently and with confidence.

A key part of your role will involve managing contractor possession and isolation applications, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. You’ll also track contractor performance and prepare regular progress reports, helping keep projects on schedule and stakeholders informed.

Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental (HSQE) compliance will be a core focus. You’ll assist in maintaining a safe work environment, conducting risk assessments, and verifying that contractors meet all HSQE requirements. Your attention to detail will ensure both general and site-specific work methods are thoroughly documented and delivered as scheduled.

Lastly, you’ll be expected to adhere to the Investment Competence Framework, supporting your professional growth while promoting best practices across all projects.

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have / to be :

• Some management experience including project management.
• Educated to HND / HNC or similar standard.
• HSQE awareness, issues and principles.

We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have / to be :

• Membership (or working towards membership of) the Association for Project Management.
• A degree or equivalent.
• Knowledge of safety, quality, environmental, commercial and financial aspects.
• Understanding of possession planning.

How to apply (External)

We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace - skills and talents we need in our business. Click here for more information.

Salary and benefits :

• Salary : £25,900 - £35,000, dependant on experience
• Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days)
• My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
• A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• 75% discount on leisure travel (discretionary)
• A choice of contributory pension schemes
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community

Happy) find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here.

Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework , any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. Click here for more information.

Closing date: 16th January 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Click 'apply now' to apply.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.