Programme Assurance Manager; Infrastructure TfGM Piccadilly Place Pos

Are you an experienced project or programme professional with a background in delivering major infrastructure schemes? Do you have experience providing assurance across large, complex projects or programmes?

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply that expertise in a role focused on independent assurance across a multibillion‑pound portfolio of transport infrastructure projects in Greater Manchester? If so, we would love to hear from you.

As a key member of our Audit, Risk and Assurance team, you will lead the provision of an independent Assurance service, offering objective assurance opinions to the Executive and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

This role is focused on assurance rather than delivery. You will use your experience of major infrastructure projects and programmes to review, challenge and support delivery teams to improve outcomes.

• Develop and agree assurance plans across a complex portfolio of infrastructure programmes
• Lead Gateway Reviews, health checks and other assurance activities
• Provide clear, evidence‑based assurance reports and recommendations
• Manage consultancy contracts and support a small team, enabling high‑quality assurance delivery
• Build strong relationships across TfGM, GMCA and partner organisations to influence and improve project performance

For more info see Job Profile below.

You will be part of the Audit, Risk and Assurance team, reporting to the Head of Risk and Assurance.

We provide independent assurance across a diverse and high‑profile portfolio of infrastructure projects, including cycling and walking schemes, new interchanges, light and heavy rail, bus improvements, and highways programmes.

Your work will play a key role in supporting the successful, safe and effective delivery of these projects for the people of Greater Manchester.

• Substantial experience of working on major infrastructure projects or programmes, with a strong understanding of the full project lifecycle
• Experience of providing assurance on complex projects or programmes, such as Gateway Reviews, audit, health checks or similar activities
• A strong understanding of project and programme management principles, methodologies and governance
• The ability to review, challenge and provide constructive, evidence‑based recommendations
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Experience of leading and developing others, supporting team performance and progression
• A relevant project or programme management qualification (e.g. APM PMQ) or equivalent experience

This is a permanent role with a salary of £75,370 - £84,830 per annum.

At TfGM we encourage candidates to discuss flexible working options at any stage of the recruitment process. We are happy to talk about flexible working to help colleagues maintain a healthy work life balance.

• Generous annual leave starting at 28 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with service, with options to buy more.
• Free travel on buses across Greater Manchester, plus rail or Metrolink travel to and from work.
• Local Government defined pension scheme with life cover of 3x salary and options to boost your contributions.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave policies, including those supporting fertility treatment, alongside flexible and hybrid working and a special leave policy to support a range of unexpected events. Please note that qualification criteria may apply, including a requirement to have been employed with the organisation for a minimum specified period of time.
• Discover more benefits including wellbeing support, Personal and Career Development, Flexible working, financial support and more on our website.

To apply please submit your CV and complete your application ensuring that you provide clear examples against the criteria questions, all appointments will be based on merit. Our short‑listing process is anonymised, so please do not include your name or contact details on your CV. If any personal details are included these will be visible to the hiring manager.

For essential guidance on applying for jobs at TfGM including Right to Work requirements, our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme, application tips, and reasonable adjustments please follow this link to our application info graphic.

If you have completed the GM Elevated (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within your application.

Please note we may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.

NOTE TO AGENCIES we will be accepting direct applications only for this role. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral CV.