About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration: Fixed term Contract of 12 months with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval, please discuss this with them before applying).

Location: This role is based in the Quadrant:MK. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.

Band & Salary: Band 3B, salary £46,701 - £55,411

Brief Description

An exciting opportunity for a motivated project manager to join the ASCEND Programme (Asset knowledge of Slopes using Change detection in Earth observation and Next generation Data analytics) which aims to deliver transformational change through the integration of remote sensing technologies and other observed data sets into our core geotechnical processes and systems.

You will be responsible for managing the projects within the programme to ensure scope, schedule, budget, safety and quality standards are met while collaborating closely with key business stakeholders (internal and external) and their representatives.

About the role (External)

About the team...

The Central Projects Team deliver a wide range of projects that enable the organisation and wider industry to deliver change, realise benefits and meet strategic objectives. These fall into three main categories:

• Compliance - programmes aimed at achieving compliance with legislation or policy.

• Strategic - deliver a clearly-defined vision that realises strategic opportunities and may change the operating model.

• Emergent - evolve to respond to situations or events that are often beyond the organisation's immediate control.

We have a friendly and welcoming team environment and put a strong emphasis on learning and continuously improving.

What does the average day look like?

At Network Rail, no two days are ever quite the same-and that's what makes it exciting. As a Project Manager within the ASCEND Programme, you will deliver a range of workstreams targeting an ambitious plan to transform how we monitor and carry out earthwork examinations through making better use of technology, delivering significant safety benefits and financial efficiencies.

The successful candidate will be a strong collaborator, bringing people together to deliver meaningful change. You'll work closely with engineers, procurement teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to keep projects on track -managing and owning project timelines, budgets, and risks while always prioritising safety and quality.

We're looking for a confident project manager who can hit the ground running, is able to follow and apply business and industry processes, has strong experience in developing and maintaining a project or programme plan, and can adapt those plans to keep projects moving forward where challenges arise.

On any given day, you might:

• Lead the delivery of a range of projects safely to time, cost and quality, being mindful of any dependencies between them.

• Collaborate and coordinate with teams across disciplines, as well as suppliers, to drive progress and prepare the business for change.

• Monitor and report project performance using Network Rail standards.

• Work alongside commercial colleagues to manage the procurement of critical work-packages.

• Control project change, risks and contingency within the project life cycle.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a motivated, reliable and proactive project manager who can confidently manage suppliers and project finances, and bring together multiple teams and workstreams to deliver complex projects.

Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills are essential, as you'll be working closely with senior leaders and external partners. You'll need to be calm under pressure, comfortable challenging constructively, and able to make pragmatic decisions to keep projects on track. A keen eye for detail and a commitment to continuous learning will set you up for success in this role.

You should be comfortable working across different teams, building strong relationships and bringing people together to move projects forward.

If you're proactive, adaptable and excited by projects and programmes that will deliver meaningful change , and you thrive in a role where you can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Essential Criteria

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Substantial proven experience in project management

• Commercial and financial understanding and knowledge

• Knowledge of safety regulations (particularly CDM)

• Project leader capable of motivating other team members

• Membership of the Association for Project Management or other professional body

Desirable

• Knowledge of the rail industry and its regulatory framework

• Knowledge of investment processes and procedures

• Knowledge and understanding of project and contract management

• Holds the Association for Project Management Project Management Qualification or other recognised project professional qualification (e.g. PRINCE2)

How to apply (External)

Closing date: 28th January 2026 however, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 16 th January 2026, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:

🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

🚂 75% subsidy on train tickets.

🎟 Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

🕊 Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more....