PMO Business Partner
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
GRADE: ML1/SB3
SALARY: £43,934 to £50,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Fixed Term Contract until August 2026
LOCATION: Manchester/ York – approx. 2 days in the office per week with the requirement to travel across the network as and when needed.
HOURS: 37
Are you a passionate and experienced Programme Management Office (PMO) professional looking to lead and shape high impact programmes?
We are seeking a PMO Business Partner to play a pivotal role in ensuring our projects are aligned with strategic goals, governed effectively, and delivered to the highest standards.
As a key member of the central Programme Management Office and embedded within the business, you’ll lead programme controls, set governance standards, and be the trusted partner to senior leaders across Northern. Your insight and expertise will support successful project delivery - on time, within budget, and to scope, while ensuring transparency and assurance for our Executive Team and key external stakeholders.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Facilitate the Project / Programme Leads in maintaining robust programme plans, artefacts, and governance structures across complex, cross functional initiatives.
- Partner with Programme Leads, Project Managers, and key internal stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment, timely reporting and proactive communication.
- Establish assurance processes, lead performance tracking, and deliver accurate reporting to support informed decision making.
- Coach and guide project teams, embedding PMO best practices and fostering a culture of high quality delivery and accountability via PMOs Programme Management Centre of Excellence (PMCoE)
- Be a Strategy Navigator by identifying interdependencies, assessing risks and assumptions, and ensuring proactive mitigation strategies are in place.
- Proven PMO Experience – You have a strong track record in P3M (Portfolio, Programme and Project management), ideally within a complex or regulated environment such as rail or infrastructure.
- Strong Technical Skills (desirable) – Accredited in MSP, PRINCE2, or APM, and proficient in systems like KeyedIn and Tableau, with a deep understanding of project governance.
- Strategic Navigator – You can engage and influence at all levels, from project teams to Senior Management, confidently challenging and guiding as needed.
- Commercial & Analytical Mindset – You bring both sharp analytical thinking and an understanding of commercial drivers to help steer projects toward success.
- Agile & Outcome Focused – Comfortable managing change and ambiguity, you stay focused on delivery outcomes and driving value streams whilst adapting, swiftly to evolving priorities.
At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.
Seniority level
Seniority level
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Employment type
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Project Management and Information TechnologyIndustries
Rail Transportation
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#J-18808-Ljbffr- Location:
- York, England, United Kingdom
- Salary:
- £100,000 - £125,000
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Management & Operations