Programme Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes

GRADE: ML2/SB2

SALARY: Circa £68,000 per annum

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid

LOCATION: York 3+ days per week with a requirement to visit associated sites of projects located all around the network as and when needed to attend site visits

HOURS: 37 per week

Are you passionate about process improvement and project delivery?

We're looking for a dynamic Programme Manager to lead our Property Projects Team, overseeing Northern and Third-Party projects, including key Business Plan initiatives. If you thrive in a fast-paced, strategic environment and are passionate about delivering impactful projects, apply today and be part of shaping the future of rail in the North.

What you'll be doing:

Oversee a diverse portfolio of property projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Act as the principal contact for property projects, fostering collaboration across teams and external partners.
Manage project risks, ensuring all activities align with railway standards, governance processes, and health & safety requirements.
Identify and manage interdependencies across projects and business functions to maximise efficiency.
Drive operational excellence by identifying gaps and implementing solutions for better project outcomes.

About You:

Your expertise in property projects and construction management, coupled with a strong understanding of railway standards and processes, will be instrumental in driving our projects forward. As a pragmatic practitioner, you apply best practices judiciously to achieve optimal outcomes, all while maintaining a keen eye on detail and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.

We're also looking for the following:

Experience running integrated programmes and delivering strategic programme plans.
Expertise in planning and risk management within a complex programme environment.
Knowledge of the rail industry (advantageous) and experience managing property projects and construction activities.
Educated to degree level or equivalent, with qualifications such as an APM/Prince 2 practitioner and Managing Successful Programmes practitioner desirable.
Familiarity with railway standards, Network Rail processes, project finance, and health and safety requirements for construction projects.
Strong commercial acumen and the ability to prioritise and adapt in dynamic environments.
Resilient, innovative, and flexible approach to problem-solving, fostering continuous improvement and team development.
Ability to build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, teams and stakeholders.

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 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.
Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

You can find out more here

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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we're celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

Building an inclusive work environment

We're actively building diverse teams and we welcome applications from everyone. If you have a disability, we can make reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process according to your needs. We're also part of the Disability Confident scheme, meaning we'll always offer an interview to disabled candidates who apply through the scheme if you meet the minimum criteria for a job.

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.