Senior Project Manager

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is undertaking the Bus Reform Programme, which aims to transform the way people travel by delivering a simpler, more reliable, and affordable bus network that connects communities to jobs, education, and opportunity. We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to play a pivotal role in making this vision a reality.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure project management and activities align with established assurance and compliance frameworks.
• Support the Directorate in creating a culture of collaboration, drive, inclusivity, and innovation.
• Build an internal stakeholder network to support an understanding of existing and emerging project activity.
• Provide clear direction and co-ordination of activities, ensuring that tasks are resourced accordingly.
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, employers, business representative organisations, trade unions, and relevant government departments and agencies.
• Ensure programme outcomes are achieved within set budgets and timeframes.
• Lead on the production of project planning and reports.
• Proactively review emerging activity in projects to identify areas for improvement, alignment, or collaboration.
• Lead on the production of project resource and budget forecasts.

What’s Essential:

• Significant experience delivering multi-disciplinary projects in a complex programme.
• Proven track record of successful delivery of projects to time, budget, and scope.
• Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams and building strong relationships.
• Demonstrable senior project management experience.
• Experience of contract management through the procurement and management of suppliers.
• Experience of managing people including appraisals, performance management, disciplinary, recruitment, and selection.
• Excellent organisational, written, and verbal skills.
• Ability to research and synthesise complex technical subjects into practical, cost-effective, and timely action plans and solutions.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Suitable project management qualification to degree level or equivalent experience.

Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 1 day a week spent in the office.

Salary And Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• 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 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 retailers.
• Costco membership through WMCA.
• Eye Care Scheme.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

Our Values and Behaviours:

• Collaborative: We work as one organisation, building trust and shared purpose.
• Driven: Focused on impact, leading with clarity and care.
• Inclusive: Every voice matters; we create belonging and fairness.
• Innovative: We embrace curiosity and continuous improvement.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals who are passionate about the role to apply, even if they do not meet all the requirements.

Sponsorship / Right To Work Requirements: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates; however, Skilled Worker visa sponsorship will only be considered for roles that meet our defined criteria. This role does not meet that threshold.