Project Manager

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

28 days annual leave plus statutory

Train ticket discounts

Defined benefit pension

Train ticket subsidy

Travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Project Manager to lead weather resilience and climate change adaptation projects across the UK. You will work with engineers, operators, regulators and industry partners to plan, deliver and monitor complex programmes from inception to completion.

This role requires strong stakeholder engagement, cost control and clear communication to balance priorities and keep timelines on track. A formal project/portfolio management qualification is expected.

Qualifications

• Project management experience including a formal qualification in project, programme and/or portfolio management.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a broad range of stakeholders
• Cost management / commercial experience including post-contract management
• Proven analytical skills

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and monitor projects from initiation to completion.
• Identify risks and design practical solutions for resilience and adaptation.
• Collaborate with engineers, operators, regulators and industry partners to tackle shared challenges.
• Coordinate forums and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Embed climate adaptation into everyday business and raise awareness across teams.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cost management

Analytical skills

Education

Formal qualification in project/ programme management

Job description

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £46,701 - £56,963

Join Network Rail! Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments.

We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

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

Some Of Our Great Benefits

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more....

About The Role

Project management in weather resilience and climate change adaptation requires strong collaboration and communication to engage and influence diverse stakeholders. You will lead projects from planning through delivery, ensuring timelines and performance targets are met. This very diverse work-bank requires balancing competing priorities, defining key activities, and monitoring progress closely.

You'll Lead Projects That Will Adapt Britain's Railway To a Changing Climate, Making It Stronger And Safer Against Extreme Weather And Climate Change And Fit For The Future. A Typical Day Could Include

What does the average day look like?

• Planning and delivery - Develop action plans, track progress, and keep projects on time and on budget.
• Problem-solving - Identify risks and design practical solutions for resilience and adaptation.
• Collaboration - Work with engineers, operators, regulators, and industry partners to tackle shared challenges.
• Stakeholder engagement - Coordinate forums, collaborate on projects and build strong relationships.
• Knowledge sharing - Help embed climate adaptation into everyday business and raise awareness across teams.

You will evaluate and communicate trade-offs, proactively address stakeholder needs, and foster engagement across forums. By leading strategic initiatives, you will build effective relationships that drive national progress for passengers and freight. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of the wider weather and climate programme, offering significant opportunities for personal growth.

This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys collaboration, and wants their work to have a lasting impact on how millions of people travel every day.

A Little Bit About The Team

Network Rail is at the forefront of climate change adaptation in rail globally and we are leading exciting projects which will impact the way we run the railway for many years to come. Join our multi-skilled, dynamic team as a Project Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK rail industry. In the weather and climate directorate we lead the rail industry in adapting the railway to a changing climate. We are the centre of excellence for managing weather and climate impacts in all their forms - providing services, assurance and leadership to each region of great Britain including infrastructure and train operators.

We use our expertise and skill to deliver the tools, processes and change required to make the British rail network resilient to an ever-changing climate - today, tomorrow and 100 years from now. Working with a very broad range of stakeholders - from local people to government - we depend on strong communicators who can manage and influence others effectively to deliver the best possible outcomes for our passengers and freight users.

Next Steps

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 9th November, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision, as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail

All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Who are we looking for?

Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we are ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers and freight across the country. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To accomplish this, we aim to be an open, diverse and inclusive workplace, utilising the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Role modelling collaboration and communication across our industry partners will be second nature. If you are passionate about making a significant impact in a strong team, then this opportunity is for you!

This role is perfectly suited to someone who thrives in a collaborative, impact-driven environment. You'll engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders-from engineering teams and climate scientists to government agencies and other infrastructure operators-to ensure adaptation actions are joined-up, effective, and informed by the latest climate science.

Essential Criteria

• Project management experience including a formal qualification in project, programme and/or portfolio management
• Demonstrable experience of managing a broad range of stakeholders
• Cost management/commercial experience including post-contract management
• Proven analytical skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of or interest in weather, climate change adaptation, and/or environment and sustainability
• Experience of working within the public sector
• Experience of working for infrastructure managers