Project Manager - Bus Reform

We’re looking for experienced Project Managers to provide strong project leadership to manage all phases of the bus reform programme, within specific workstreams. This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on role in shaping major change at scale, supporting work that will have a lasting impact across the West Midlands.

The role will lead on a major transformation initiative, working from project initiation through to delivery, ensuring outcomes are delivered on time and within budget. You’ll work closely with a Senior Project Manager, business analysts, and subject matter experts from across the organisation, contributing to a new and evolving internal function where no two days are the same.

This role will suit a solid Project Manager with demonstrable experience working on large, complex transformation programmes, ideally within the public sector. Experience in transport or infrastructure environments would be beneficial, particularly given the scale and ambition of WMCA’s bus reform programme — one of the most significant transformation projects currently underway.

You’ll be joining a supportive, high-performing team, with the opportunity to help deliver transformational work that hasn’t been done before, shaping the future of the West Midlands and making a real difference at scale.

Please note, this is a 12-month fixed term contract.

What you will be doing

• Ensure that full evaluations are undertaken as part of the post project review
• Build strong collaborative relationships with strategic partners, delivery partners and key stakeholders
• Provide technical expertise, knowledge and application of best practice
• Present proposals and negotiate with stakeholders to develop and agree projects briefs
• Develop, implement and maintain robust project processes and systems
• Create and coordinate risk registers for projects/programmes
• Review project performance/data
• Undertake scheme documentation management, including development of file structures, version control and archiving
• Ensure cost forecasts and accounting protocols are in place

What’s essential

• Experience of working as a Project Manager and working within a team of Project Managers, on a range of varying sized projects
• Experience of building relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Experience of people management skills in a project environment
• Experience of devising and implementing stakeholder management strategies, including negotiating with key stakeholders
• Track record of delivering complex and significant projects and programmes to time, cost and standard
• Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use project management software
• Ability to compile clear and concise technical and non-technical reports
• Project Management Qualification or commitment to commencing relevant course

Location. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). 
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days. 
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.   
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses. 

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values.

Our behaviours sit at the heart of our values, helping to shape how we work together as WMCA employees and setting clear expectations.

Collaborative

• Team Focused – working as part of team, managing and leading

• Service Driven – customer, resident and partner focused

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).