Project Manager

Northern Trains Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Travel

Generous Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Exclusive Discounts

Training and Career Development

Recognition

Job summary

Northern Trains Limited is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of Revenue Inspection Devices (RIDs) across Northern and partner train operating companies through to 2027.

You’ll be responsible for the successful delivery of allocated RID projects, managing scope, programme, cost, risk, quality and resources from development through to entry into service. This role sits at the heart of rail technology delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven project management experience, ideally with a relevant qualification.
• Experience delivering complex technology, infrastructure, business systems or railway projects.
• Strong commercial, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience managing cost, programme, risk, quality and change.
• Knowledge of relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.
• An understanding of railway standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from definition and design through to delivery.
• Develop robust project scopes, programmes, estimates and business cases
• Manage project risks, costs, dependencies and change
• Coordinate delivery with operational activities and Network Rail programmes
• Lead project meetings, design reviews and contractor interfaces
• Ensure projects meet Northern governance, safety and industry standards
• Keep the customer experience at the heart of delivery
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, performance and value

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

Cost control

Problem solving

Education

Relevant professional qualification

Job description

Northern is delivering the next phase of Pay As You Go (PAYG) across Greater Manchester and the wider rail network. We’re looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of Revenue Inspection Devices (RIDs) across Northern and partner train operating companies through to 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver technology that will make rail travel simpler and more connected for our customers.

The role

You’ll take responsibility for the successful delivery of allocated RID projects, managing scope, programme, cost, risk, quality and resources from development through to entry into service.

You’ll work closely with Northern teams, Network Rail, partner train operators, contractors and other stakeholders to:

• Lead projects from definition and design through to delivery.
• Develop robust project scopes, programmes, estimates and business cases
• Manage project risks, costs, dependencies and change
• Coordinate delivery with operational activities and Network Rail programmes
• Lead project meetings, design reviews and contractor interfaces
• Ensure projects meet Northern governance, safety and industry standards
• Keep the customer experience at the heart of delivery

Identify opportunities to improve processes, performance and value

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a confident project professional with:

• Proven project management experience, ideally with a relevant qualification
• Experience delivering complex technology, infrastructure, business systems or railway projects
• Strong commercial, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience managing cost, programme, risk, quality and change
• Knowledge of relevant health, safety and environmental requirements

An understanding of railway standards

The ability to work independently and build effective relationships across organisational boundaries.

Rail or transport industry experience, would be advantageous

Make an impact at Northern

This is more than a project management role. You’ll be helping deliver a major change to the way customers travel across the North.

If you’re passionate about delivering change, solving complex problems and working collaboratively to make a difference,

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.
• 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 2,500 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.