Rail Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager – Rail (12-Month Contract)
Location: Manchester
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 Months
Salary: Competitive Day Rate (Inside IR35)
Start Date: ASAP

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly capable and proactive Project Manager to join a dynamic delivery team on a major rail infrastructure programme based in Manchester. This exciting role is part of a joint franchise collaboration, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of rail transport in the region.

As Project Manager, you will lead the successful delivery of complex rail projects, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements, commercial objectives, and programme milestones. Your expertise in NEC contracts and project delivery in the rail environment will be crucial to the role’s success.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the delivery of assigned rail projects, ensuring safety, quality, time, and cost targets are achieved.

Apply NEC3/NEC4 contract management principles throughout the project lifecycle.

Monitor project performance against commercial metrics and proactively address risk and opportunity.

Foster effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders.

Prepare project reports, dashboards, and updates for senior management and franchise partners.

Champion best practices in stakeholder engagement, with a commitment to inclusion and clear communication.

Support procurement, contract administration, and change control processes.

Promote a positive, solutions-focused working environment and lead by example in professional integrity.

Experience & Qualifications:
Proven experience in project management within the rail sector, with successful delivery of infrastructure or capital programmes.

Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts (NEC3 or NEC4), particularly in managing contractor performance and change.

Commercially astute with a solid understanding of budget control, risk management, and cost forecasting.

Experience in working on complex, multi-stakeholder environments – preferably within a franchise or partnership model.

Professional project management certification (e.g., APM, PRINCE2) desirable.

Degree or equivalent in engineering, construction management, or related discipline.

What We’re Looking For:
This role is ideal for a well-rounded and collaborative project leader who values teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and attention to detail. You will bring a calm and confident approach to problem-solving, with the ability to balance technical, contractual, and interpersonal aspects of project delivery.

We welcome candidates who bring a diverse perspective and demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills. The client values a positive, inclusive working culture where everyone can thrive.

Contract Details:
Duration: 12 months

Location: Manchester (3 days in office required)

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday

IR35 Status: Inside IR35