Senior Programme Development Manager

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.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments . 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.

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

Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) is the Government's flagship programme to improve connectivity between the North's major cities, at the heart of the Northern Growth Strategy. Its focus is the Northern Growth Corridor - between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and York, with regular services to Newcastle, Hull and Chester also benefit ting. NPR aims to ensure passengers in the North will benefit from convenient, consistent services boosting the ability and confidence of commuters to use the railways, helping drive Northern growth.

The Government has committed a £45 billion funding envelope for the delivery of NPR as a long-term programme. In January 2026, the government announced support for NPR and a three-phase approach to delivery:

• Phase 1 focuses on Leeds to Sheffield, Leeds to Bradford and Leeds to York.
• Phase 2 focuses on service improvements between Liverpool and Manchester.
• Phase 3 considers cross-pennine links, building on the government's investment in the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

The three phases of delivery will see major construction work in the 2030s, continuing through to the 2040s.

NPR is a high-profile portfolio with high stakeholder interest from senior National and Regional leadership teams, along with a range of external stakeholders including Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSA) and Train Operating Companies (TOCs).

This is an excellent opportunity to work both in a supportive team and across the business. The scope is broad as you will collaborate and contribute towards the developing the future of the railway network in the North. It is an exciting time to join the team to help us meet the development milestones and support the outputs agreed with the Department for Transport (DfT).

Job Purpose:

As a Senior Programme Development Manager (PDM) you will function as a Senior Project Sponsor and guiding mind for the current development stage. You will work closely with the Lead Programme Development Manager to shape and direct the current development stage whilst developing links in a sponsorship role between the client, Region, delivery agent and key stakeholders.

This is a sponsorship role supporting the development of NPR, including developing Network System wide Programmes. (e.g. Traction Power, Train Control Strategies, Systems Integration) confirming the project benefits and project outcomes to agreed scope, time and cost.

We are looking for someone with a good knowledge of the rail network, working collaboratively with our Asset Management teams, Operators with a varied and adaptable skillset including:

• A technical mindset with an ability to think of the railway as a connected system, whilst also being able to focus on detail of engineering development and programme requirements
• Strong experience and knowledge of project development and understanding of…