Assistant Project Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION:Programmes
GRADE:ML1/SB2
SALARY:Circa £42,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE:Hybrid
LOCATION:Approximately 3 days in the office with the expected requirement to travel
HOURS:37

Assistant Project Manager – Kickstart Your Project Management Career with Northern

Are you organised, proactive, and the kind of person who keeps everything on track and everyone one step ahead? Ready to dive into the fast-paced world of infrastructure delivery?

Join Northern’s supportive team as an Assistant Project Manager – an essential role where you’ll coordinate project activities, manage records and reports, and gain hands on experience that sets you up for a future Project Manager career.

This is a busy, varied role for someone eager to learn, collaborate, and develop core project management skills within a friendly and encouraging environment, based in York, Leeds, or Manchester - with travel expected as part of the role.

What you’ll be doing

• Manage project documentation, including minute taking, file management, and project updates.
• Prepare and maintain accurate project reports and assist with tracking progress against schedules and budgets.
• Support project managers with daily administrative tasks and coordination across teams and contractors.
• Actively engage in team communication, becoming a reliable go-to person for project support tasks.
• Assist with minor projects or discrete workstreams, applying learning and organisational skills effectively.

About You

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and structure your day efficiently.
• Proactive attitude with a keen willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, “can-do” mindset.
• No prior project management experience required, but a passion for infrastructure delivery and eagerness to develop professionally.

What’s in it for you? 

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. 

Why Northern? 

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.