At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative bus reform projects, ensuring timely delivery and impactful change.
- Company: Join a supportive team at WMCA, shaping the future of transport in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 28 days leave, healthcare plans, and discounts on tech and shopping.
- Other info: 12-month fixed term contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for experienced Project Managers to provide strong project leadership to manage all phases of the bus reform programme, within specific workstreams. This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands‑on role in shaping major change at scale, supporting work that will have a lasting impact across the West Midlands. The role will lead on a major transformation initiative, working from project initiation through to delivery, ensuring outcomes are delivered on time and within budget.
You'll work closely with a Senior Project Manager, business analysts, and subject matter experts from across the organisation, contributing to a new and evolving internal function where no two days are the same. This role will suit a solid Project Manager with demonstrable experience working on large, complex transformation programmes, ideally within the public sector. Experience in transport or infrastructure environments would be beneficial, particularly given the scale and ambition of WMCA's bus reform programme - one of the most significant transformation projects currently underway.
You'll be joining a supportive, high‑performing team, with the opportunity to help deliver transformational work that hasn't been done before, shaping the future of the West Midlands and making a real difference at scale. Please note, this is a 12‑month fixed term contract.
What you will be doing:
- Ensure that full evaluations are undertaken as part of the post project review
- Build strong collaborative relationships with strategic partners, delivery partners and key stakeholders
- Provide technical expertise, knowledge and application of best practice
- Present proposals and negotiate with stakeholders to develop and agree projects briefs
- Develop, implement and maintain robust project processes and systems
- Create and coordinate risk registers for projects/programmes
- Review project performance/data
- Undertake scheme documentation management, including development of file structures, version control and archiving
- Ensure cost forecasts and accounting protocols are in place
What's essential:
- Experience of working as a Project Manager and working within a team of Project Managers, on a range of varying sized projects
- Experience of building relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Experience of people management skills in a project environment
- Experience of devising and implementing stakeholder management strategies, including negotiating with key stakeholders
- Track record of delivering complex and significant projects and programmes to time, cost and standard
- Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to use project management software
- Ability to compile clear and concise technical and non‑technical reports
- Project Management Qualification or commitment to commencing relevant course
Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
Salary and benefits:
- We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate.
- This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
- Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
- EV car benefit scheme
- Healthcare plans
- Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
- An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
- 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
- Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more.
- You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
- Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
- Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
Reasonable adjustments: We offer a fully inclusive recruitment process and are committed to making reasonable adjustments for applicants who may need them. You can contact our Recruitment Team at careers@wmca.org.uk for assistance.
Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Project Manager - Bus Reform employer: West Midlands Combined Authority
Join a dynamic and supportive team at WMCA, where your role as a Project Manager will not only shape the future of public transport in the West Midlands but also offer you a wealth of benefits including a generous pension scheme, 28 days of annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, you'll be part of a transformative initiative that makes a real difference in the community, all while enjoying a vibrant work culture that values inclusivity and employee well-being.
Contact Details:
West Midlands Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Bus Reform
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport and infrastructure sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your project management success stories. We want to hear about how you’ve led complex projects to success, especially in public sector environments. Make sure you can articulate your impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your stakeholder management skills! We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships and negotiate effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Bus Reform
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management, especially in transport or infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with the bus reform programme and the specific workstreams you'll be involved in.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past projects, focus on the outcomes you delivered. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your success in managing complex transformation programmes. We love seeing tangible results!
Be Clear and Concise:Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your application reflects that!
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 this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Combined Authority
✨Know Your Project Management Fundamentals
Brush up on your project management principles and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in complex transformation programmes. This will show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous projects. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to manage expectations and negotiate project briefs. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss your approach to risk management and how you've maintained project performance. This will illustrate your capability to handle the dynamic nature of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Prepare to present your ideas succinctly, as good communication skills are essential for this position. Consider how you can convey complex information in an easily digestible way.
