Project Manager – Rail (GBR) – Leeds/Yorkshire

About DFT Operator

Join Our Team at DFTO. It’s an exciting time to join DFTO on the journey to GBR. We are recruiting Project Managers to build a dynamic delivery pool that will lead and support projects across multiple functions and teams. Working across organisational boundaries, you will shape and deliver a diverse portfolio spanning transformation, HR, finance, digital, continuous improvement, railway operations, and procurement. We’re looking for people with the drive to make a difference, and the ability to focus on what matters to deliver our strategic objectives – reduce net subsidy, improve services for customers, deliver rail reform, engage and empower colleagues, and prioritize safety and sustainability.

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day, and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. 7,000 people joined the railway family in the last year. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia, and WM Trains.

Primary Purpose Of Job

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager for our Leeds office, to play a central role in delivering high-profile programmes that drive real business change. This is an opportunity to lead complex projects from concept through to delivery, working with senior stakeholders, subject matter experts, and suppliers to ensure successful outcomes every step of the way.

You'll be at the heart of programme delivery, bringing people together, managing competing priorities, and providing the structure, governance, and leadership needed to turn plans into results. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building strong relationships, and takes pride in delivering projects that make a tangible impact, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Take ownership of project delivery, ensuring programmes are planned effectively and delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Provide a first-class project management service, establishing robust governance, reporting, and monitoring processes that keep projects on track.
• Lead the rhythm of programme delivery, facilitating key meetings, preparing insightful reporting packs, and supporting leadership teams with clear, actionable information.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop practical solutions and drive informed decision-making.
• Partner with business leaders, SMEs, and Business Analysts to understand requirements, shape solutions, and contribute to strong business cases.
• Oversee procurement activity and supplier relationships, ensuring milestones, dependencies, and deliverables are effectively managed.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasting, resources, and delivery performance, providing meaningful updates and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders across the organization, ensuring clear communication, engagement, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain program schedules and delivery plans, providing visibility of progress and identifying critical path activities.
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance business processes, ways of working, and project outcomes.

What We're Looking For

A proven track record of successfully delivering projects and programs across a range of industries and environments. Experience leading complex initiatives involving technology, operational, or business transformation. The ability to engage, influence, and build credibility with senior stakeholders and customers at all levels. Experience gathering and translating business requirements into actionable project outcomes. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams, navigate change, and drive momentum. Excellent commercial awareness alongside sound financial and budget management experience. Exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving capabilities.

Nice to Have

Membership of the Association for Project Management (APM) or a recognized project management professional body. Experience managing third-party suppliers and external delivery partners.

Vacancy Details

• Duration: FTC or Secondment until October 2027
• Reports to: Head of Programmes
• Location: Leeds / Hybrid
• Salary: Up to £56,000
• Closing Date: 22nd August 2026

DFTO Benefits

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

Additional Information

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work-life balance.