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- Tasks: Lead and shape high-impact programmes, ensuring projects align with strategic goals.
- Company: Northern is a key rail operator in the North, connecting communities and enhancing travel experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension schemes, exclusive discounts, and tailored training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic journey in rail, fostering a culture of accountability and high-quality delivery.
- Qualifications: Proven PMO experience, strong technical skills, and a strategic mindset are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working with 2 days in the office; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43934 - 50000 £ per year.
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
GRADE: ML1/SB3
SALARY: £43,934 to £50,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Fixed Term Contract until August 2026
LOCATION: Manchester/ York – approx. 2 days in the office per week with the requirement to travel across the network as and when needed.
HOURS: 37
Are you a passionate and experienced Programme Management Office (PMO) professional looking to lead and shape high impact programmes?
We are seeking a PMO Business Partner to play a pivotal role in ensuring our projects are aligned with strategic goals, governed effectively, and delivered to the highest standards.
As a key member of the central Programme Management Office and embedded within the business, you’ll lead programme controls, set governance standards, and be the trusted partner to senior leaders across Northern. Your insight and expertise will support successful project delivery – on time, within budget, and to scope, while ensuring transparency and assurance for our Executive Team and key external stakeholders.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Facilitate the Project / Programme Leads in maintaining robust programme plans, artefacts, and governance structures across complex, cross functional initiatives.
- Partner with Programme Leads, Project Managers, and key internal stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment, timely reporting and proactive communication.
- Establish assurance processes, lead performance tracking, and deliver accurate reporting to support informed decision making.
- Coach and guide project teams, embedding PMO best practices and fostering a culture of high quality delivery and accountability via PMOs Programme Management Centre of Excellence (PMCoE)
- Be a Strategy Navigator by identifying interdependencies, assessing risks and assumptions, and ensuring proactive mitigation strategies are in place.
About You
- Proven PMO Experience – You have a strong track record in P3M (Portfolio, Programme and Project management), ideally within a complex or regulated environment such as rail or infrastructure.
- Strong Technical Skills (desirable) – Accredited in MSP, PRINCE2, or APM, and proficient in systems like KeyedIn and Tableau, with a deep understanding of project governance.
- Strategic Navigator – You can engage and influence at all levels, from project teams to Senior Management, confidently challenging and guiding as needed.
- Commercial & Analytical Mindset – You bring both sharp analytical thinking and an understanding of commercial drivers to help steer projects toward success.
- Agile & Outcome Focused – Comfortable managing change and ambiguity, you stay focused on delivery outcomes and driving value streams whilst adapting, swiftly to evolving priorities.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- 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.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
- 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 no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We\’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and 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.
Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Project Management and Information Technology
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Industries
Rail Transportation
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PMO Business Partner employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific PMO methodologies and frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as MSP and PRINCE2. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Northern, especially those in PMO roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional initiatives and how you've successfully navigated complex project environments. Highlight specific examples where you've demonstrated strategic alignment and effective governance, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical mindset by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive project decisions in the past. Being able to articulate your commercial awareness and how it has influenced project outcomes will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PMO experience and relevant skills. Focus on your track record in P3M, any accreditations like MSP or PRINCE2, and your ability to engage with senior management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for programme management and how your experience aligns with the role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led projects and ensured strategic alignment.
Highlight Technical Skills: If you have experience with systems like KeyedIn and Tableau, make sure to mention this in your application. Highlighting your technical skills can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: Demonstrate your ability to navigate complex projects and influence stakeholders. Use examples that illustrate your analytical thinking and commercial awareness, which are crucial for the PMO Business Partner role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Understand the PMO Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a PMO Business Partner. Be prepared to discuss how you can align projects with strategic goals and ensure effective governance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with project management methodologies like MSP, PRINCE2, or APM. If you have proficiency in tools such as KeyedIn and Tableau, make sure to mention these during the interview to demonstrate your technical capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels. Discuss how you've successfully navigated complex projects and influenced decision-making, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Outcome Focus
Be ready to talk about how you've managed change and ambiguity in past roles. Share specific instances where you maintained focus on delivery outcomes while adapting to evolving priorities, as this aligns with the agile mindset they are looking for.
