At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering top-notch project management for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a leader in innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to professional development and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- 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 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
- Delivering against challenging deadlines
- 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 at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Head of PMO and Integration (Northern Powerhouse Rail) in Leeds employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PMO and Integration (Northern Powerhouse Rail) in Leeds
✨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 researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with the Northern Powerhouse Rail initiative and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to ask them too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In your conversations and interviews, highlight your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive results and improve processes, as this is key for the Head of PMO and Integration role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward for you. So, get your application in before the deadline and let’s get you one step closer to landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PMO and Integration (Northern Powerhouse Rail) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of leading the PMO and Integration team. Use specific examples that showcase your project management skills and leadership abilities.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your project management qualifications, like the APM PMQ. We need to see that you meet the essential criteria, so be clear about your credentials and any relevant training you've completed.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences. Clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply via the CS Jobs link provided in the job description. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Head of PMO and Integration role. Familiarise yourself with project management methodologies like APM and PRINCE2, as well as the specific challenges faced in rail projects. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and how you can lead the team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and motivating teams. Think about times when you've successfully managed a project under pressure or navigated complex governance structures. Being able to articulate these experiences will show that you're ready to take on a senior leadership role.
✨Budget Management is Key
Since budget management is a crucial part of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Bring specific examples of how you've managed budgets in previous projects, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability in handling the financial aspects of the role.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The job description mentions driving continuous improvement in processes. Prepare to discuss how you've implemented lessons learned from past projects and how you plan to embed these practices in the new role. Showing a proactive approach to improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.