Senior Project Manager

Navartis; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established company in the rail sector is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead and oversee project managers for delivering complex rolling stock heavy maintenance projects. The position is based in Derby, offering a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a background in railway engineering and maintenance planning. The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and generous leave with additional benefits for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus annual performance bonus

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance and healthcare plan

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large-scale rail or rolling stock projects, ideally within maintenance or overhaul environments.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of railway engineering, maintenance planning, and asset management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of Project Managers delivering heavy maintenance and overhaul programmes.
• Manage project delivery from planning through to completion.
• Report regularly on project progress, risks, and financial performance.

Skills

Managing large-scale rail projects

Leadership and people management

Understanding of railway engineering

Knowledge of project management methodologies

Financial and commercial acumen

Strong communication skills

Ability to prioritize effectively

Education

Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or Business

Job description

Job Description

Senior Project Manager

Location : Derby

About the company

A great opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join a well-established organisation within the UK rail sector.

This company has been supporting the rail network for over three decades, managing a large portfolio of passenger and freight rolling stock. They deliver engineering, maintenance, and asset management solutions that improve reliability, safety, and performance across the network.

With substantial ongoing investment in fleet upgrades, maintenance programmes, and traction innovation, the company continues to grow and strengthen its position as a trusted partner within the rail industry. Their culture is built on collaboration, safety, and professional development, ensuring every employee is supported to reach their full potential.

About the Senior Project Manager Role

The Senior Project Manager will lead and oversee a team of Project Managers responsible for delivering complex rolling stock heavy maintenance and overhaul projects. You will ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and in line with time, cost, and quality objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial and technical awareness, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across engineering, maintenance, and operations. You’ll play a key part in ensuring delivery excellence, maintaining compliance, and driving continuous improvement across all maintenance programmes.

Key responsibilities for the Senior Project Manager role

• Lead and support a team of Project Managers delivering heavy maintenance and overhaul programmes.
• Manage project delivery from planning through to completion, ensuring compliance with all safety and quality standards.
• Report regularly on project progress, risks, and financial performance to senior management.
• Oversee supplier performance, audits, and accreditation processes.
• Support the development of fleet maintenance strategies and specifications.
• Ensure effective project governance, reporting, and risk management are in place.
• Lead supplier and stakeholder meetings, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.
• Drive cost efficiency and value for money across all contracts and project activities.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance delivery performance.
• Support and mentor project management staff, ensuring competence and professional development within the team.

Key skills and experience required for the Senior Project Manager role

• Proven experience managing large-scale rail or rolling stock projects, ideally within maintenance or overhaul environments.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of railway engineering, maintenance planning, and asset management processes.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies such as PRINCE2, APM, or PMP.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting and cost control.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and deliver results under pressure.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Project Management, or Business.
• Knowledge of Network Rail standards, contract management, and health & safety best practice.

Package on offer for the Senior Project Manager role

• Competitive salary plus annual performance bonus
• Based in Derby with hybrid working available
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy or sell additional days
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance and healthcare plan
• Employee assistance and wellbeing programme
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities