BUSINESS FUNCTION: Strategic Development
SALARY: £51,919 - £64,308 / Grade:ML2/SB1
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Manchester
HOURS: 37
The future of transport in Greater Manchester is being built right now. The Bee Network is bringing together buses, trams, walking, cycling, and rail into one connected, seamless system – making it easier for customers to move around the region.
As a Project Manager in our Strategic Development team at Northern, you’ll help make rail a central part of that journey. You’ll lead projects that improve how customers experience our services, from integrating rail into the wider Bee Network to delivering station improvements and service enhancements that make a real difference to communities across Greater Manchester.
This is a role that combines big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll work across Northern, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Network Rail, and wider industry partners to turn ideas into successful projects, balancing customer needs, operational requirements, budgets, and timescales along the way.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll take ownership of a varied portfolio of Bee Network Rail Integration projects, ensuring every scheme moves smoothly from concept through to delivery. You’ll be:
- Leading the day-to-day management of projects across service integration, customer experience, and station improvement programmes.
- Working with colleagues, industry partners, suppliers, and local stakeholders to define project requirements and turn strategic ambitions into practical solutions.
- Managing project scope, schedules, risks, budgets, and resources, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to agreed standards.
- Acting as a key link between Northern and organisations including TfGM and Network Rail, ensuring strong collaboration and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
- Preparing and maintaining project documentation, including delivery plans, risk logs, and progress reports.
- Managing project governance, change control, and lessons learned to continuously improve how we deliver projects.
- Supporting safe delivery by ensuring compliance with industry requirements, including Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations and the Common Safety Method (CSM).
- Identifying potential challenges early and finding solutions that protect our operational railway while keeping projects moving forward.
About you
You know how to bring people together around a common goal. You can manage competing priorities, build strong relationships, and keep momentum behind complex projects where there are lots of moving parts.
Project management skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to influence people at every level – that’s the combination you’ll bring to the team.
You’ll also have:
- Experience delivering complex projects with strong organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness and confidence negotiating with internal and external partners.
- An understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements within infrastructure, construction, or similarly regulated environments.
- A relevant qualification such as an ONC, HNC, or equivalent experience.
- The ability to challenge, influence, and build trusted relationships across different organisations.
- Experience of working within the railway industry or knowledge of the rail operating environment would be beneficial.
- A PRINCE2 qualification, or a willingness to work towards an equivalent project management qualification.
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.
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.
