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- Tasks: Lead strategic direction of investment and operational change portfolio for major transformation programmes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on significant infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, free rail travel, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of transport and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, risk management, and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Excellent career growth opportunities and structured training available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are delivering a portfolio of significant transformation programmes – from our role as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade Enterprise, through to capital investment projects and business change programmes. As Portfolio Strategy Manager, you will play a critical leadership role within our Integrated Programme Management Office (iPMO), part of the Major Projects Directorate. Your primary responsibility will be to drive the strategic direction of TPE's investment and operational change portfolio.
You’ll lead on portfolio prioritisation and risk management, ensuring resources are allocated to initiatives that deliver maximum strategic value, and that risks are proactively identified, escalated and mitigated. You will oversee portfolio‑level dependency management, ensuring interdependencies across programmes and projects are managed to optimise outcomes. You will also lead all scheduling activities for projects and programmes within the directorate's portfolio, collaborating closely with industry partners to align TPE schedules with wider industry plans, including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading portfolio prioritisation and supporting decision‑making panels
- Implementing and maintaining portfolio‑level risk management practices
- Overseeing dependency management across programmes and projects
- Ensuring accurate and standardised schedules are produced and maintained
- Providing regular reporting and insights to senior leadership and programme boards
- Supporting and guiding project teams in planning, scheduling and resource allocation
- Promoting best practices in schedule management and process mapping
- Championing the use of Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QRSA) in scheduling practices
About you:
We’re looking for someone with:
- Deep knowledge of programme/project management in complex business change environments
- Experience in portfolio prioritisation, dependency management, and risk management
- Recognised project management qualification or membership
- Track record of enhancing project management maturity through new processes, systems and training
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
- Proficient deep understanding of scheduling processes and associated software (e.g. P6 Primavera desirable)
- Understanding of railway infrastructure and industry structure
What we offer:
- Excellent career prospects
- A personal development plan
- Structured training and development
- Competitive salary paid on a 4‑weekly basis
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Free TransPennine Express rail travel for you and your dependents
- Travel discounts of up to 75% off other train operating companies, plus international rail travel after 1 year’s service for you and your dependents
- Free & Confidential Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing Portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Option to join the Railway Pension Scheme with significant employer contributions
- Family‑friendly maternity and paternity benefits
- High‑street and lifestyle discounts as well as a cycle‑to‑work scheme
*Terms and conditions apply.
Portfolio Strategy Manager in Manchester employer: Tpexpress
Contact Detail:
Tpexpress Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Strategy Manager in Manchester
✨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 portfolio strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills in portfolio prioritisation and risk management. Highlight your project management qualifications and how they can benefit the team at TPE.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our transformation programmes.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Strategy Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in portfolio prioritisation and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Portfolio Strategy Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a critical leader in our iPMO, it’s essential to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in complex business change environments. We love seeing how you’ve influenced stakeholders and driven strategic outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tpexpress
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the portfolio of transformation programmes mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the Transpennine Route Upgrade and other key projects. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their strategic direction.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented risk management practices in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you identified, escalated, and mitigated risks, as this is a critical part of the Portfolio Strategy Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership approach and how it has positively impacted project teams in the past. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and guide teams in planning and scheduling activities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Scheduling Tools
If you have experience with scheduling software like P6 Primavera, be sure to mention it. If not, do some research on it and be ready to discuss how you would approach learning new tools. This shows your commitment to promoting best practices in schedule management.
