Northern
Programme Manager West (Rail Infrastructure)
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
SALARY: £61,064 - £61,064
GRADE: ML2/SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Manchester
HOURS: 37
Big improvements don't happen by chance. They happen because someone can see the bigger picture, bring people together, and keep complex programmes moving in the right direction.
As part of our Infrastructure Change team at Northern, you'd lead programmes that shape the future of our depots, train care centres and station infrastructure across the West of our network. From increasing capacity to modernising facilities, your work would help create the foundations that keep our railway evolving for colleagues, customers and the communities we serve.
You'll work with teams across Northern and the wider rail industry, building strong relationships, solving challenges before they become problems, and making sure major infrastructure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and with lasting benefits.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll lead a portfolio of infrastructure programmes, making sure projects stay on track, risks are managed, and everyone involved is working towards the same goal. No two days will be the same, but you'll spend your time:
- Leading infrastructure programmes across depots, train care centres, outstations and station platforms in the West.
- Supporting and challenging the delivery of projects carried out by external partners, including Network Rail, to help achieve the best outcomes for Northern.
- Providing leadership and direction to Project Managers, helping them overcome challenges and keeping programmes on time and within agreed objectives.
- Managing programme risks, dependencies and governance, ensuring stakeholders have clear, accurate updates throughout the project lifecycle.
- Working with colleagues across Finance, Fleet, Operations, Commercial and Programme Management to coordinate successful delivery.
- Acting as one of Northern's key representatives with external organisations including Network Rail, the Department for Transport (DfT) and other industry partners.
- Identifying opportunities to improve project governance, planning and ways of working across the programme.
- Supporting the Infrastructure Change Lead and providing deputy cover when needed.
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About You
Leading programmes, building relationships and keeping multiple moving parts aligned – that's what you'll bring to the team.
We're looking for someone who has:
- Experience leading complex infrastructure or engineering programmes from planning through to delivery, ideally in a rail environment.
- Strong project and programme management skills, with the confidence to manage competing priorities and make informed decisions.
- The ability to influence, challenge and build trusted relationships with colleagues, contractors and senior stakeholders.
- Experience managing project risks, budgets, governance and reporting.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and bring people together around shared goals.
- A collaborative approach and a passion for delivering improvements that make a real difference.
If you've worked in rail that's great, but we're equally interested in hearing from people with transferable programme management experience from other infrastructure, engineering or construction environments.
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.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
- 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.
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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 2,650 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.
Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.
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