Senior Project Manager

Porterbrook

full-time

Posted on: 10/15/2025

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Derby • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Job Level

Senior

Tech Stack

PMP

About the role

To lead the Maintenance Service Project Managers in the effective delivery of their respective heavy maintenance overhauls events
Support the safe operation of the fleets
Deliver Porterbrook’s lease obligations for heavy maintenance
Ensure that projects are delivered, safely, on time, to the planned cost and expected quality in line with Porterbrook’s business objectives
Deputise as required for the Head of Maintenance Services
Ensure that all projects are managed to support the safe operations of Porterbrook owned vehicles on the railway system, with due consideration to respective lease obligations
Support close out of National Incident Reports pertinent to current heavy maintenance/overhaul contacts
Support the supplier accreditation process
Support ITT reviews as required
Support the supplier audit activities/process. Manage audit CARs allocated to you and your team to closure
Oversee and support each HM event being delivered by your Project Managers, reporting issues early to the Head of Maintenance Services
Ensure that all heavy maintenance/overhaul projects are managed and delivered to time, cost and quality objectives in line with Porterbrook’s business objectives
Ensure that all heavy maintenance projects under your control are reported monthly affording the business sufficient visibility of progress, issues, costs, risks and opportunities. Outlining any mitigation measures required to recover those events at risk
Ensure all relevant information on heavy maintenance projects is shared within the business in a timely manner, including ensuring that the Planning team are kept up to date with project schedules, along with planning management for top tolerance planning
Review and authorise where appropriate project contract variations to ensure they are providing value for money for the business
Support the Senior Planning Manager in the delivery of the HM Planning meetings through the planning, procurement and implementation process
Support the Head of Maintenance Services in the delivery of the monthly change board sessions
Carryout periodic compliance reviews on your teams HM event governance, ensuring each PM is delivering in accordance with the Project Management Process
Support the Project Manager as required by attending meetings, mobilisation meetings, contract review meetings, lessons learnt etc
Delivery of maintenance/overhaul and modification projects
Support the development of whole life maintenance plans for the fleets, taking cognisance of all maintenance plans and feedback from projects
Support the development of maintenance/overhaul budgets
Support the development of heavy maintenance specifications, particularly any updates that are required during a project
Support contract negotiations of maintenance/overhaul contracts (including contract variations)
Support the audit of suppliers of maintenance/overhaul activities to ensure all necessary compliance is reached
Manage applicable warranty systems with both operators and suppliers to minimise risk to all parties
In liaison with the Heads of Fleet Services and Head of Maintenance Services, provide direct support to customers on all technical issues affecting the vehicles that they lease that arise from heavy maintenance projects. Ensure that these matters are appropriately prioritised by the team
Support negotiations with operators on commercial issues arising from heavy maintenance programs, involving the Commercial Manager as appropriate
Support the refranchising process as required
Support the fleet teams to ensure reliability effecting defects arising overhaul events are actioned by our suppliers
Ensure asset deterioration (e.g. corrosion) is addressed as part of maintenance/overhaul programmes in a cost-effective manner as appropriate
Ensure that heavy maintenance projects are delivered to protect the residual value of the asset
Share learning across the business on asset protection issues from heavy maintenance e.g. corrosion, vehicle condition
Set annual objectives for your team. Monitor performance through the year and at end of year, conduct six-month reviews in accordance with company process
Ensure that the competence management process is implemented across all direct reports
Support the creation of personal development plans for your team
Coordinate and monitor the activities of your team to ensure effective deployment across the respective areas of responsibility. Ensure that the output being achieved is at an acceptable level to resolve any areas of under-performance that may emerge
Working closely with the respective Heads of Fleet, developing an approach across all Porterbrook fleets which ensures a high degree of commonality on the approach to technical issues and customer interface agreements
Produce regular reports detailing issues relating to the projects and the actions that are being taken to resolve these matters. Identify areas where additional management support is necessary to resolve outstanding issues
Support suppliers in their development of working practices, promoting an environment of continuous improvement
Work closely with the Heads of Maintenance Services ensure that the team resources are allocated and utilised effectively to meet the overall business objectives
Assist in providing general engineering services to/across the business as and when required

Requirements

Proven experience in leading, a team delivering complex rolling stock heavy maintenance events
Strong track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards
Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, influence, and guide cross-functional teams
Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of engaging at all levels, including executive leadership and external partners
Advanced understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, or equivalent)
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget management, cost control, and risk mitigation
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
High level of problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills
Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining health, safety, and compliance standards
Degree in project management, engineering, business, or related field and professional certification preferred but not essential. Demonstrated experience is essential
Knowledge of railway industry rolling stock, organisation and players is highly desirable
Significant knowledge of both theoretical and practical implementation of programme and portfolio management
Working knowledge of Contract Management obligations and stakeholder management
Knowledge of project management tools and techniques, Risk Management, Earned Value, MS Project, WBS, Critical Path
Basic understanding of engineering drawings and can understand the design and implementation.
Knowledge and understanding of maintenance and overhaul requirements

Benefits

1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
Financial wellbeing support
Flexible working
Enhanced family friendly policies
Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
Enhanced Armed Forces policies
Ongoing support with professional and personal development
Long service awards
Porterbrook Star awards
Life assurance
Healthcare cash plan
25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
Additional days annual leave for long service
Season ticket loan

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard skills

project managementbudget managementcost controlrisk mitigationcontract managementprogramme managementportfolio managementengineering drawingsmaintenance requirementsoverhaul requirements