Projects & Programme Manager - Light Rail Systems in Manchester

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is embarking on a generational programme to renew and enhance Metrolink - the UK's largest light rail network. We're looking for an experienced systems professional with a background in light or heavy rail (such as signalling, power, or communications) who thrives on collaboration and building trust. If you're excited by the opportunity to lead complex technical programmes that directly improve services for Greater Manchester's communities, this could be the role for you!

As part of our Metrolink Portfolio Team, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of the Bee Network through long‑term systems renewal and upcoming network expansion projects.

Your Role

• Lead an integrated, multi‑disciplinary team on all aspects of the procurement of a long‑term Technology Partner to renew, upgrade & modify our Tram Management System, ensuring the existing system continues to function safely and effectively and supports future expansion.
• Support and develop high‑performing programme teams, creating an inclusive and empowering environment where colleagues can learn, thrive, and deliver on shared commitments.
• Champion continuous improvement across the Portfolio.
• Facilitate the development of an integrated delivery schedule for the Metrolink Systems Programme.
• Lead on establishing an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship with the appointed Technology Partner, respective teams and senior internal/external stakeholders.

In addition, you will be a key member of the Management Group taking an active role in leading the day-to-day running of the Projects Group function within TfGM.

Who are we?

Projects Group is a collaborative, multidisciplinary department of around 150 colleagues at TfGM. We lead the planning and delivery of projects and programmes that help improve transport for people across Greater Manchester! This position is part of the Metrolink programme team, which plays a vital role in sustaining, growing and transforming the Bee Network - with Metrolink at its heart! You'll be helping to deliver meaningful improvements for the thousands of residents, businesses, and visitors who depend on our transport infrastructure each day.

What you'll bring

• Senior experience in leading complex projects or programmes within safety‑critical rail systems, including supervisory control systems and their interfaces such as signalling, power, and communications.
• Understanding of how these systems operate in a live environment and how to manage their development, renewal, and delivery.
• Experience in leading and supporting teams in technical project or programme settings, creating an environment where people can perform at their best and contribute to shared outcomes.
• Confidence in building strong, collaborative relationships with a wide range of supply chain partners, using communication skills to engage effectively with senior stakeholders across political, professional, and public audiences.
• Strong problem‑solving and negotiation skills, with the ability to interpret complex written and numerical information to support decision‑making, meet funding requirements, and keep programmes on schedule.

What we can offer you

This is a permanent role in the Metrolink Programme Team sat within Projects Group with a salary range between £87,205 and £98,152 per annum dependent upon demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience. As part of our commitment to professional growth and a positive team culture, you will also benefit from opportunities for ongoing personal and career development, flexible working arrangements to support your work‑life balance, and access to a comprehensive package of benefits.

Our benefits include:

• Generous annual leave starting at 28 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with service, with options to buy more.
• Free travel on buses across Greater Manchester, plus rail or Metrolink travel to and from work.
• Local Government defined pension scheme with life cover of 3x salary and options to boost your contributions.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave policies, including those supporting fertility treatment, alongside flexible and hybrid working and a special leave policy to support a range of unexpected events.

What’s next?

If you believe you have the skills and experience required, we’d really like to hear from you. To apply, please submit a covering letter and supporting CV (including full employment history) by Sunday 8th February 2026. To be considered, the covering letter is required to provide clear examples of how your experience meets the essential requirements of the role:

• Procurement of complex, high‑value safety critical rail control systems and related sub‑systems.
• Extensive experience in leading the successful delivery of complex, high‑value safety critical rail control systems and related sub‑systems, as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Experience of senior leadership positions within the rail industry, working effectively with a broad spectrum of senior stakeholders, to achieve high levels of performance.

Interviews will take place in person during week commencing 2nd March 2026 and all appointments will be based on merit. Our short‑listing process is anonymised, so please do not include your name or contact details on either of these documents.

TfGM is proud to be an equal opportunities employer that encourages and celebrates diversity. We want to recruit and retain a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and welcome individuals from all backgrounds by committing to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.