At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting IT projects that shape the future of rail travel.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, transforming rail travel.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and tailored career development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team where everyone feels welcome.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58111 - 58111 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: IT
SALARY: £58,111
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: York/Leeds
CONTRACT: FT
HOURS: 37 per week
Our Information Technology team keeps Northern moving every single day – not just by looking after today’s technology, but by shaping the systems that will power the railway of tomorrow. As IT Project Manager, you’d help turn ideas, business needs and technical possibilities into a well-run project that lands smoothly and makes a real difference for colleagues and customers.
You’d be the steady hand guiding a portfolio of a key IT project from first scoping conversations to final delivery. Working with subject matter experts, suppliers, stakeholders and third-party partners, you’d bring clarity, structure and pace to every stage. When competing demands, risks or shifting priorities appear, you’d help keep things on track and focused on what matters most.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You’d oversee the full project lifecycle, using the right methodologies to deliver outcomes on time and within budget. That includes:
- Planning, managing and delivering IS projects from end to end using structured, controlled approaches.
- Producing clear project documentation – scoping papers, plans, budgets, risks, issues, resource schedules and status reports – and keeping stakeholders well informed.
- Defining scope, goals and deliverables and securing sign-off at the right stages.
- Using robust risk management strategies that suit each project’s complexity and scale.
- Creating detailed project plans and adapting timelines when changes to the baseline arise.
- Implementing change control and assessing how proposed changes affect scope, cost and timelines.
- Recommending improvements to project governance and running lessons-learnt sessions.
- Liaising closely with Procurement and Finance Business Partners to ensure business cases, spending and benefits tracking stay on course.
- Working with HR Business Partners when resource approvals or permissions are needed.
- Carrying out any additional duties relevant to the role and your competence.
About You
You bring experience in delivering complex transformational projects. You’ve managed risk, steered projects through competing priorities and built strong relationships with senior stakeholders along the way. A proven track record in structured project management is essential – alongside the ability to create solid plans, adapt quickly when circumstances change and communicate with clarity. You’re comfortable working across multiple locations, juggling demands and keeping projects moving with confidence and transparency. Clear thinking, calm leadership and a collaborative approach those are the things you’ll bring to the table.
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 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, 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 Rail takes shape. 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 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.
Strategic IT Project Manager - Hybrid (Rail) employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being more than just a train operator; we are a community-focused employer dedicated to supporting our people. With generous benefits like unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we foster a culture of growth and recognition. Join us in York/Leeds and be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and the future of rail travel.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic IT Project Manager - Hybrid (Rail)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Strategic IT Project Manager role. Keep it concise and focus on what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic IT Project Manager - Hybrid (Rail)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic IT Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and how you’ve successfully navigated competing priorities. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Northern!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your structured project management experience. Include specific examples of how you've delivered projects on time and within budget, and don’t forget to mention any methodologies you’re familiar with. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-organised application that gets straight to the point, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Project Management Methodologies
Familiarise yourself with various project management methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, or PRINCE2. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in complex transformational settings.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about your experience working with stakeholders and how you’ve managed their expectations. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to communicate clearly and build strong relationships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you identified risks and implemented strategies to mitigate them. Highlight your ability to adapt plans when circumstances change, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Bring Clarity to Your Documentation
Practice explaining how you produce clear project documentation, including scoping papers and status reports. Being able to articulate your process will show your attention to detail and organisational skills, which are key for this role.
