At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering top-notch project management for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, committed to innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major rail projects while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Senior project management experience and relevant qualifications are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The postholder will lead an enthusiastic team of project-management professionals who work closely with Network Rail and HS2 Ltd to deliver best-in-class project management and integration. This includes overseeing all governance, budget management, risk management, ensuring that we embed lessons learned from other projects and programmes and managing the business support function. On the integration side, the role involves sponsorship of the NPR Integration Authority, to build a baseline and manage decision making and dependencies accordingly.
Top Responsibilities
- Lead the PMO and Integration team.
- Lead the NPR programme through all audit and scrutiny activity.
- Lead on all governance for the programme.
- Oversee effective management of risks and embedding lessons learned.
- Oversee the budget for the programme.
- Ensure dependencies are well managed.
- Sponsor all NPR integration work.
- Drive continuous improvement in all processes.
- Being an active and enthusiastic senior leader.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
- DfT prioritises investing in our project delivery professionals, because successful projects begin with skilled people.
- We offer funding for industry recognised qualifications e.g. APM PMQ, PRINCE2, and MSP, alongside leadership programmes.
- You will have access to targeted technical training, support for project delivery accreditation, and potential funding toward Chartered Project Professional (ChPP).
- From day one, mentoring, coaching, and the Government Online Skills Tool (GOST) are available to support your learning and development throughout your career in DfT.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Programme or project management at a senior/leadership level
- Leading and motivating teams
- Budget management
- Delivering in a major project (GMPP) or rail role
Qualifications
Project management qualifications are essential for this role. The post holder will need to have achieved APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) practitioner status or a similar Project Management qualification. You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4mDa54T
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Head of PMO and Integration (Northern Powerhouse Rail) employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PMO and Integration (Northern Powerhouse Rail)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at the Department for Transport or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to project management and integration. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of leading a PMO team. We can help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of extra practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your experience in motivating teams and managing budgets. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and manage risks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have additional resources and tips available exclusively for applicants who come through us. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PMO and Integration (Northern Powerhouse Rail)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of PMO and Integration role. Highlight your experience in project management, governance, and budget management. We want to see how your skills align with 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've driven continuous improvement in past projects.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your project management qualifications, like APM PMQ or similar. We need to see that you have the essential credentials to back up your application, so make them stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in project management principles and the specifics of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme. Brush up on your APM PMQ or similar qualifications, as you might be asked to discuss how they apply to the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and motivating teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in a project management context. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the PMO and Integration team effectively.
✨Budget Management Insights
Be ready to discuss your experience with budget management. Have concrete examples of how you’ve successfully managed budgets in previous projects, including any strategies you used to keep costs under control while delivering results.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role involves driving continuous improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you’ve implemented lessons learned from past projects. Share specific instances where you’ve made processes more efficient or effective, showing your proactive approach to project management.