New Trains Joint Project Manager in York

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every reliable service is a huge amount of planning, coordination, and teamwork. As part of our Strategic Development team, you’d be right at the centre of one of the biggest transformations in our history – bringing a brand-new fleet into service.

This role sits at the heart of delivery, where plans turn into real-world outcomes. You’ll work with colleagues across Northern and with external partners, keeping everything aligned and moving in the right direction. There’s real visibility here too – the kind of role where your experience and decisions genuinely shape how things get done, representing the interests of both the financier and Northern jointly.

What you’ll be doing

Spending significant amounts of time at a major manufacturing facility, you will act as the critical on-site lead for the introduction of a new fleet of trains. Your role is defined by presence and oversight; by working directly on-site, you drive the progress of the Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (MSA) in real time. You will ensure the build quality is up to standard, on budget, and on time.

You will be working in a matrix style with a broad programme management team. You are not a bystander; you are the connective force that gives structure, pace, and clarity to a highly complex delivery programme. From initiation to completion, you shape and control the project’s cadence. You bridge internal teams and external partners, simplifying complexity to maintain a shared understanding of delivery milestones and expectations.

With a clear, high-level perspective, you keep the programme on schedule, within scope, and tightly aligned to agreed standards. When risks emerge, you identify them early and implement practical, effective solutions before they can impact timelines or budget. Your leadership is defined by accountability, precision, and clarity. You will represent both Northern and the project’s financiers, providing confident, concise updates that offer the strategic oversight they need and the technical detail when required. Based between the UK and the manufacturer’s facility, your guidance ensures that a significant financial commitment continues its steady, organised progress toward successful delivery.

About you

You already know what it takes to deliver projects – and you’ve done it before in a Job, Project, or Programme Manager role. That experience is essential here.

• Status as a Chartered Engineer with strong technical and systems experience and an understanding of TrainCare Centre Management and maintenance frameworks.
• Proven experience managing the contractual relationship with an MSA from planning through to delivery.
• Previous experience delivering a new fleet.
• Detailed understanding of Technical Support and Spare Supply Agreements.
• Confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders, including external partners, fostering collaboration and resolving conflict in a positive, solutions-focused way.
• The ability to keep things organised, even when priorities shift.
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset – you make things happen.
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain progress and challenges simply.

If you already understand how organisations like Northern and its partners operate, that’s a real advantage – but what matters most is your ability to step in and lead with confidence from day one.

What’s in it for you?

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus, up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, plus enhanced career pathways.
• Recognition: We celebrate brilliance through our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Railways takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if you need them. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer; if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove unconscious bias and ensure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.