At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver exciting rail projects while managing risks and stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join a values-led consultancy that prioritises growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, strong benefits package, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile rail schemes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Project Management, APM membership, and rail project experience required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with clear pathways for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: North East
Salary: Negotiable
Contract Type: Contract (Permanent Considered) - Working pattern: 40 hours per week | Hybrid (60% office based)
We’re recruiting on behalf of a specialist rail consultancy for an experienced Rail Project Manager to support the delivery of complex rail enhancement projects across York and the North East. This role can be offered on a permanent basis, and our client will also consider contractors.
About the opportunity
This is a chance to join a growing, values-led consultancy environment where people are supported to develop and progress. You’ll work collaboratively with a strong team and play a key role in delivering a varied portfolio of high-profile rail schemes. Current projects include major station upgrades, re-signalling, new station buildings and enhancement works, alongside technical and advisory services on major programmes.
The role
As Rail Project Manager, you’ll help plan, coordinate and deliver multi-disciplinary projects, managing operational railway interfaces and ensuring safe, compliant delivery from start to finish.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of high-value, multi-disciplinary rail projects, managing risks that affect the operational railway.
- Manage interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with governance and assurance requirements.
- Support compliance with relevant rail legislation and obligations, ensuring project outputs and deliverables are achieved.
- Interpret client scope and programme requirements, turning these into clear operational interface needs and practical solutions to support timely decision making.
- Work with CDM and duty holders to ensure compliance with CDM Regulations.
- Secure and coordinate resources, report progress against milestones, and manage contingency actions when required.
- Support alignment across organisations on infrastructure change proposals in line with CSM-RA requirements.
- Track, assess and report on project performance and risk across the full project lifecycle.
- Capture lessons learned and agree mitigation actions with stakeholders to strengthen project proposals.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships, manage expectations and advocate for project objectives.
- Identify clashes or conflicting activities, driving coordinated delivery and efficiency.
- Support investigations into accidents, incidents and close calls, ensuring learning is shared appropriately.
What we’re looking for
Essential
- Degree qualified in Project Management or a related discipline.
- APM membership (or working towards).
- PRINCE2 Foundation (or equivalent).
- Strong knowledge of the operational railway and rail infrastructure.
- Proven delivery experience in a rail project environment.
- Understanding of programme controls and commercial requirements.
- Knowledge of HSE legislation and requirements including CDM and CSM-RA.
- Experience managing project budgets.
- Knowledge of rail possessions and isolations.
Desirable
- Experience delivering third-party projects on Network Rail infrastructure.
- Knowledge of the Network Rail Asset Protection Process.
- Full project lifecycle delivery experience.
- Consultancy background (1–2 years within a project management consultancy setting).
What’s on offer
- Competitive rates or salary (dependent on experience)
- Hybrid working (60% office based) and flexibility where possible
- Strong benefits package including annual leave entitlement, private medical cover, healthcare cash plan, bonus and volunteering days
- Clear development pathways and support for professional qualifications
- Inclusive, people-first culture with a recruitment process that focuses on more than just a CV
Interested? Apply via this advert or contact us for a confidential conversation. We’ll share full details (including the employer) with suitable candidates at the appropriate stage.
Project Manager employer: Ceto Talent
Contact Detail:
Ceto Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail industry and let them know you're on the lookout for Project Manager roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success in delivering high-profile rail schemes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around managing risks and stakeholder relationships. We want to hear how you can hit the ground running in their hybrid working environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in rail projects and any relevant qualifications like APM membership or PRINCE2 certification. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about rail project management and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of rail legislation.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience managing stakeholders and ensuring compliance with governance requirements. We value strong relationships, so let us know how you've successfully navigated these in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our values-led consultancy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ceto Talent
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific rail projects mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with major station upgrades and re-signalling works. Being able to discuss these projects will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in past projects. Think about times when you had to balance conflicting interests or expectations. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Understand Compliance Requirements
Brush up on relevant rail legislation, including CDM and CSM-RA. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. Showing that you can navigate these regulations will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you've identified clashes or conflicts in project delivery and how you resolved them. Highlighting your proactive approach to problem-solving will resonate well with the interviewers, especially in a complex rail environment.