At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects that drive real change in the rail industry.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on rail reform and customer services.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About DFT Operator Join Our Team at DFTO. It’s an exciting time to join DFTO on the journey to GBR. We are recruiting Project Managers to build a dynamic delivery pool that will lead and support projects across multiple functions and teams. Working across organisational boundaries, you will shape and deliver a diverse portfolio spanning transformation, HR, finance, digital, continuous improvement, railway operations and procurement. We’re looking for people with the drive to make a difference, and the ability to focus on what matters to deliver our strategic objectives – reduce net subsidy, improve services for customers, deliver rail reform, engage and empower colleagues, and prioritise safety and sustainability.
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains.
Primary Purpose of Job: We're looking for an experienced Project Manager for our Leeds office, to play a central role in delivering high-profile programmes that drive real business change. This is an opportunity to lead complex projects from concept through to delivery, working with senior stakeholders, subject matter experts and suppliers to ensure successful outcomes every step of the way. You'll be at the heart of programme delivery, bringing people together, managing competing priorities and providing the structure, governance and leadership needed to turn plans into results. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building strong relationships, and takes pride in delivering projects that make a tangible impact, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Take ownership of project delivery, ensuring programmes are planned effectively and delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
- Provide a first-class project management service, establishing robust governance, reporting and monitoring processes that keep projects on track.
- Lead the rhythm of programme delivery, facilitating key meetings, preparing insightful reporting packs and supporting leadership teams with clear, actionable information.
- Proactively identify and manage risks, working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop practical solutions and drive informed decision-making.
- Partner with business leaders, SMEs and Business Analysts to understand requirements, shape solutions and contribute to strong business cases.
- Oversee procurement activity and supplier relationships, ensuring milestones, dependencies and deliverables are effectively managed.
- Monitor project budgets, forecasting, resources and delivery performance, providing meaningful updates and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Build strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, ensuring clear communication, engagement and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Maintain programme schedules and delivery plans, providing visibility of progress and identifying critical path activities.
- Champion continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance business processes, ways of working and project outcomes.
What We're Looking For:
- A proven track record of successfully delivering projects and programmes across a range of industries and environments.
- Experience leading complex initiatives involving technology, operational or business transformation.
- The ability to engage, influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders and customers at all levels.
- Experience gathering and translating business requirements into actionable project outcomes.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams, navigate change and drive momentum.
- Excellent commercial awareness alongside sound financial and budget management experience.
- Exceptional communication, organisation and problem-solving capabilities.
Nice to Have:
- Membership of the Association for Project Management (APM) or a recognised project management professional body.
- Experience managing third-party suppliers and external delivery partners.
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: FTC or Secondment until October 2027
- Reports to: Head of Programmes
- Location: Leeds / Hybrid
- Salary: Up to £56,000
- Closing Date: 22nd August 2026
DFTO Benefits:
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry
Additional Information Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Project Manager - Rail (GBR) - Leeds/Yorkshire in London employer: DfT Operator
The DfT Operator is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rail sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, team members are supported in achieving both personal and professional goals while contributing to the significant transition to Great British Railways. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Rail (GBR) - Leeds/Yorkshire in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Rail (GBR) - Leeds/Yorkshire in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
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Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at DfT Operator and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
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In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like DfT Operator will want to see.
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✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at DfT Operator.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at DfT Operator. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
