At a Glance
- Tasks: Support major rail project development, manage stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure programme in the Northern Powerhouse Rail initiative.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility, competitive pay, and hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available from York or Manchester.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant rail projects while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in major rail projects and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're recruiting an Assistant Project Manager on a freelance or contract basis to support project development across the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, now in active planning and development phase following the January 2026 government announcement.
You'll support project development work including design, route development, feasibility and business case activities. With £1.1bn released for planning and development, this is a programme in transition from strategy to delivery preparation. You'll work as part of the project team, managing work streams and supporting the delivery of required outputs.
This is a hands-on project support role offering good experience across a major infrastructure programme. You'll help manage projects through their development phases, engage with stakeholders, support budget and schedule management, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Your work contributes to projects being properly scoped and ready for delivery readiness.
What You'll Be Doing
- Support project development activities including feasibility studies, design work and business case development
- Assist in managing stakeholder relationships with DfT, local authorities, elected members, community groups and delivery partners
- Support the appointment and management of consultants and contractors
- Assist in identifying and evaluating commercial, programme and technical risks
- Support project budget management, reviews and forecasting
- Ensure compliance with railway regulations including Railway Interoperability Regulations, Common Safety Method and CDM requirements
- Assist in creating and managing project schedules and planning activities
- Support project reporting to sponsors and government bodies
- Support preparation of project documentation and technical reports
What We're Looking For
You're an experienced project professional with substantial hands-on experience in major rail projects. You have proven experience managing ambiguity and complexity in demanding project environments. You're self-motivated, organised and able to take ownership of your work whilst knowing when to escalate issues.
Essential Experience and Skills:
- Major rail project experience
- Experience in major programmes across development and implementation phases
- Successful track record managing ambiguity and complexity within project environments
- Project safety management knowledge including construction and Health and Safety legislation
- Commercial acumen with contract management experience (both internal and external)
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, able to work effectively with diverse audiences
- Self-motivated and proactive approach to work
Desirable Experience and Skills:
- Membership of the Association for Project Management (APM) or relevant professional qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Foundation)
- Demonstrable experience managing within a complex matrix environment
- Knowledge and understanding of Network Rail investment regulations
- Budget management experience and accountability
You understand railway project environments, regulatory requirements and how to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. You're comfortable working as a freelancer supporting established programmes and can work effectively with minimal supervision.
Hybrid working from York or Manchester.
Project Development Manager - Assistant Project Manager Level (Freelance/Contract) in York employer: CPR
As a leading player in the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, we offer an exceptional opportunity for project professionals to engage in meaningful work that shapes the future of rail infrastructure. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development while supporting a diverse range of stakeholders. With a competitive freelance structure and the flexibility of hybrid working from vibrant cities like York or Manchester, we ensure our team members thrive in a dynamic environment that values their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Development Manager - Assistant Project Manager Level (Freelance/Contract) in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your next project development role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your hands-on experience in major rail projects. Talk about specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This will help you stand out as someone who can handle the complexities of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for roles to pop up on job boards. Check out our website regularly for freelance opportunities and apply directly. Tailor your application to show how your skills align with the project development needs outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of railway regulations and stakeholder engagement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and schedules in past projects. This will demonstrate your readiness to jump into the Assistant Project Manager role with confidence!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Development Manager - Assistant Project Manager Level (Freelance/Contract) in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in major rail projects. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Assistant Project Manager role.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication and relationship management skills. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder landscapes in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Project Management Experience:We’re looking for someone with hands-on experience in project development. Be sure to detail your involvement in feasibility studies, design work, and business case development to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at CPR
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of major rail projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss your role in feasibility studies, design work, and business case development. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can contribute effectively.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Whether it's with local authorities or community groups, being able to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes will set you apart.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions about managing ambiguity and complexity. Think of specific instances where you faced challenges in project environments and how you overcame them. Highlighting your proactive approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Regulations
Brush up on railway regulations and safety management knowledge. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This shows that you're not just a project manager but someone who understands the regulatory landscape crucial for successful project delivery.
