Senior Project Manager


Company:	SLC
Salary:	£68,000 to £90,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Manchester
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	17 Sept 2026
Closing date:	17 Oct 2026

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Summary

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager – Project Development to join our growing project development and delivery team.

This role will focus on developing infrastructure projects from concept through to a position where they are ready for delivery, working closely with clients, stakeholders, technical teams and delivery partners to define requirements, establish viable solutions and develop robust programmes, costs, risks and delivery strategies.

You will work across the early stages of the project lifecycle, helping clients turn strategic requirements and initial concepts into well-defined, deliverable infrastructure projects. This may include feasibility studies, options appraisal, business cases, stakeholder engagement, funding considerations, design development, consents, procurement strategy and preparation for delivery.

The role will suit someone who can operate confidently at both strategic and project level, who enjoys solving complex problems, developing opportunities and helping clients make informed decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage projects through the early development lifecycle, from initial client requirements and concept through feasibility, option development, design development and preparation for delivery.

Work with clients to understand their strategic objectives, operational requirements and desired project outcomes and translate these into clear project requirements.

Develop and manage project briefs, scopes, objectives, programmes, budgets and delivery strategies.

Lead or coordinate feasibility studies, options appraisals and technical assessments, ensuring recommendations are evidence-based, commercially viable and aligned with client objectives.

Coordinate multi-disciplinary technical teams to develop and evaluate project solutions, including engineering, architecture, planning, environmental and other specialist disciplines.

Support the development of business cases, investment proposals and funding submissions, providing robust information on scope, cost, programme, benefits, risks and deliverability.

Develop and maintain project programmes, identifying key dependencies, interfaces, approvals and critical decisions required to progress the project.

Develop and maintain project cost plans and forecasts, working with commercial and technical specialists to ensure projects remain financially viable.

Identify, assess and manage project development risks, opportunities, assumptions and constraints at an early stage.

Lead stakeholder engagement and consultation, building effective relationships with clients, local authorities, Network Rail, train operators, contractors, consultants and other project stakeholders as appropriate.

Manage interfaces between technical disciplines and stakeholders, ensuring decisions are captured and project requirements remain aligned.

Coordinate the development of designs and technical information to ensure projects are sufficiently developed to support approvals, procurement and delivery.

Identify required statutory, regulatory, land, planning, environmental and other approvals and ensure these are appropriately incorporated into the project programme.

Develop procurement and contracting strategies in conjunction with commercial and technical colleagues.

Support the preparation of tender documentation, specifications, scopes of work and procurement information.

Prepare and present project reports, recommendations and progress updates to clients and senior stakeholders, clearly communicating issues, options and decisions required.

Establish appropriate project governance, reporting and assurance arrangements.

Ensure effective change control throughout the development process and assess the impact of proposed changes on scope, cost, programme and deliverability.

Support the transition of projects from development into delivery, ensuring that project information, risks, decisions and requirements are clearly communicated to the delivery team.

Where required, provide project management oversight during delivery to ensure the project continues to meet the approved objectives and business case.

Contribute to business development activities, including client relationship development, opportunity identification, fee proposals, tenders and project development commissions.

Lead, support and develop less experienced project managers and members of the wider project team through mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing.

What We're Looking For:

This is not simply a project delivery role. We are looking for someone who can get involved when a project is still being shaped.

The successful candidate will therefore be comfortable operating where there is ambiguity and incomplete information, bringing structure to early-stage projects and helping clients make confident decisions.

Why Join SLC Rail?

SLC offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of infrastructure projects across the UK, supporting major public and private sector clients. We are committed to investing in our people through professional development, mentoring and clear career progression opportunities, providing a supportive environment where individuals can develop their skills and build successful long-term careers.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our business.

Contact:

Lisa Underwood

HR@slcprojects.com

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