Programme Manager – Rail Infrastructure (West)

About the role

As a Programme Manager for the West region, you will lead a portfolio of rail infrastructure programmes that shape depots, train care centres and station facilities. Based in Manchester, you will work with internal teams and external partners such as Network Rail and the Department for Transport to deliver safe, efficient and future‑proof projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate infrastructure programmes across depots, outstations, train care centres and station platforms in the West of the network.
• Support and challenge delivery by external partners, ensuring optimal outcomes for Northern.
• Provide leadership to Project Managers, guiding them to meet time, cost and quality objectives.
• Manage programme risks, dependencies and governance, delivering clear updates to stakeholders throughout the lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Finance, Fleet, Operations, Commercial and Programme Management teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Represent Northern with Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other industry partners.
• Identify and implement improvements to project governance, planning and ways of working.
• Assist the Infrastructure Change Lead and act as deputy when required.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading complex infrastructure or engineering programmes from planning through to delivery, preferably in a rail environment.
• Strong project and programme management capabilities with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Excellent influencing and relationship‑building skills with contractors, senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project risks, budgets, governance and reporting.
• Clear communication skills, capable of explaining complex information and aligning teams around shared goals.

Required skills