Head of Projects and Renewals

Blackpool Transport is looking for a confident, commercially aware and delivery-focused Head of Projects and Renewals to lead a vital portfolio of asset renewals, capital works and business-critical projects across our bus and tram operations. This is a senior leadership role with real influence. You will be responsible for ensuring that projects are properly scoped, safely delivered, financially controlled and aligned with the long-term needs of the business, our customers, our employees and our shareholder.

You will lead the planning and delivery of asset renewals and major projects from initial definition through to completion, making sure that each project has clear objectives, robust governance, strong budget control, effective risk management and clear reporting. Working closely with operations, engineering, safety, finance, procurement and external partners, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and with minimum avoidable disruption to services.

We are looking for someone who can bring structure, discipline and momentum to a varied and important programme of work. You will need to be comfortable managing contractors, coordinating multiple stakeholders, interpreting complex technical and commercial information, and making clear decisions under pressure.

About you

You will be an experienced project or renewals manager with strong technical, commercial and organisational skills. You will understand the importance of safety, governance, budget control and stakeholder management in a complex operational environment. You will be able to balance detail with strategic thinking, ensuring that projects are not only delivered well but also support the wider objectives of Blackpool Transport.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact leadership role in a business that plays a central part in keeping Blackpool and the Fylde Coast moving. You will help shape the future condition, resilience and performance of key transport assets while working in a varied, challenging and rewarding environment. You will be joining a leadership team focused on safety, service delivery, financial sustainability and continuous improvement.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience, skills and leadership approach would support the successful delivery of Blackpool Transport’s projects and renewals programme. Please note that this vacancy will remain open for four weeks; however, we reserve the right to begin interviewing suitable candidates as applications are received and may close the advert early should a successful candidate be appointed.

Key Responsibilities

What you will be doing

• You will develop and maintain a master renewals programme, ensuring asset condition, safety requirements, operational priorities, whole-life cost and long-term sustainability are properly considered.
• You will lead project delivery across scope, cost, time, quality, safety and compliance, ensuring that risks are identified early and managed effectively.
• You will support procurement and contractor management, helping to prepare specifications, assess options, manage variations and ensure suppliers deliver against agreed requirements.
• You will maintain strong governance, including project documentation, approvals, risk registers, reporting, change control and post-project review.
• You will also play an active role as part of the wider leadership team, contributing to business planning, performance improvement, financial discipline and the continued development of a safe, accountable and customer-focused organisation.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

The successful candidate will ideally bring:

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• A recognised project management qualification.
• Senior-level project management experience.
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers or consultants.
• Knowledge of regulations and health and safety requirements.
• Strong financial awareness and budget management capability.
• Excellent reporting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to lead teams, influence others and make sound decisions under pressure.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, governance and value for money.