Senior Project Manager

The Bus Reform Programme is one of the most ambitious transport initiatives ever undertaken in our region. It will deliver a simpler, more reliable, and more affordable bus network that better connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity.

We’re now looking for experienced Senior Project Managers to help make it happen.

These roles will lead projects for specific workstreams within the Bus Reform Programme, ensuring delivery to agreed time, cost, and quality standards. You’ll bring structure, collaboration, and focus, managing complex dependencies, engaging diverse stakeholders and partners, and driving progress towards our goal of introducing bus franchising.

Reporting to the Head of Bus Reform Programme Delivery, you’ll play a central role in shaping the future of public transport across the West Midlands.

This is a 2 year fixed term contract.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the delivery of key projects within the Bus Reform Programme to ensure successful transition to bus franchising.
• Develop detailed project plans, tracking progress and performance against agreed outcomes.
• Establish and manage risks, dependencies, resources and budgets to keep projects on track.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, government departments, transport operators and internal colleagues.
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings and updates for senior and political stakeholders.
• Lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, fostering collaboration, inclusion and innovation.
• Ensure all project activity aligns with WMCA’s governance and assurance frameworks, delivering real value for money.

 What’s Essential

• Proven experience delivering complex projects to time, cost and scope.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills across multiple organisations.
• Sound financial, risk and governance management experience.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A Project Management qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Understanding of partnership working across transport and local government sectors.
• Ability to lead, inspire and motivate within a culture of continuous improvement.

Location. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 3 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. 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 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).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)
• EV car benefit scheme
• Ethical saving options and 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.  

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.

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 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).