Senior Project Manager in YO1

Senior Project Manager – Rail & InfrastructureLocation: Manchester / Leeds / York areaSalary: Up to £95,000 DOESector: Rail & InfrastructureWorking Pattern: Hybrid

The OpportunityCETO Talent is working with a specialist rail and infrastructure organisation delivering projects that improve connectivity and create long‑term value across the UK rail network. As the business continues to grow, they are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to take a leading role across major, multi‑disciplinary rail infrastructure projects. This is a senior position offering significant autonomy and responsibility. You will act as a key operational point of contact for clients, leading project teams through the full project lifecycle and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, commercially and to the required quality standards. The role would suit an experienced rail Project Manager who is comfortable operating at senior level, managing complex stakeholder environments and taking ownership of both project delivery and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a key operational point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and direct project teams through all stages of delivery, from development and design through tender, construction and completion.
• Plan, monitor and manage project performance against agreed time, cost and quality targets.
• Lead multi‑disciplinary and multi‑organisation project teams, coordinating engineers, contractors, consultants and client representatives.
• Ensure projects are proactively delivered in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including CDM Regulations, HMRI and ORR requirements.
• Work closely with Project Engineers to ensure client requirements are fully understood, recorded and delivered.
• Proactively identify, manage and mitigate project risks, taking corrective action where required.
• Oversee project health, safety, environmental and quality documentation and lead risk assessments as appropriate.
• Implement effective change control processes and ensure variations are properly managed.
• Maintain strong commercial and financial control, including project costs, forecasts and invoicing.
• Manage project handover and close‑out, ensuring all required documentation and deliverables are completed.
• Support wider business activities including tendering, proposals, resource planning and risk management.
• Lead, support and develop members of the project management team through mentoring, training and performance management.
• Contribute to the continued development of project management processes, standards and best practice across the business.

Key Requirements

• Significant experience in project management within rail or comparable infrastructure.
• Proven experience delivering complex, multi‑disciplinary projects from development through to completion.
• Experience working in a client‑side, co‑located or seconded project environment.
• Strong understanding of civil, structural and permanent way disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead and manage integrated, multi‑organisation project teams.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence effectively.
• Commercially astute, with experience of NEC3 and/or NEC4 contract administration.
• Strong understanding of project risk, change control, cost management and project governance.
• Excellent communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and commercially aware approach.
• Comfortable working with autonomy and taking accountability for project delivery.

Qualifications Essential

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related technical discipline, or
• HNC/HND in a construction‑related discipline such as Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying, supported by significant relevant experience.

Desirable

• Chartered membership, or actively working towards chartership, with a relevant professional body such as APM, ICE, IET or an equivalent recognised organisation.

About You

The successful candidate will have a strong background in project management within the rail or comparable infrastructure sector, with demonstrable experience delivering complex, multi‑disciplinary projects. You will be confident working with clients, contractors, engineers and other stakeholders, with the ability to take ownership of projects and provide effective leadership across multiple organisations. Experience across projects such as stations, footbridges, depots, car parks or other complex rail infrastructure would be particularly relevant.

Why Consider the Role?

This is an opportunity to join a growing specialist rail and infrastructure business where Senior Project Managers have genuine ownership and influence. You will have the opportunity to work across complex rail projects, build strong client relationships and contribute to the development of both projects and the wider project delivery team.

Salary: Up to £95,000 depending on experienceLocation: Manchester / Leeds / York area

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