Member Spotlight: Hannah Brankin, Interim Head of Project Management, Rider Levett Bucknall

Introduce yourself

I’m Hannah Brankin, Interim Head of Project Management for the North West across Manchester and Liverpool at Rider Levett Bucknall, where I’ve been since 2019.

With over 20 years’ experience, I’m passionate about leading high-performing teams and creating an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to do their best work. A big part of my role is helping develop the next generation of project managers — not just professionally, but supporting them through the challenges that come with the role and life outside of it too.

Career highlight

There have been many moments I’m proud of, but a few stand out:

GM Future Leaders– Engaging with the GM Future Leaders programme was a fantastic experience for me and gave me a great insight into leadership across multiple sectors in a City Region.  It also gave me opportunity to work with a really talented group of people, forging new networks in the region.

Temple Learning Academy– a complex project delivered against a challenging budget with a fragmented team. Bringing everyone together to achieve a successful outcome — and seeing it recognised through multiple awards and nominations — was incredibly rewarding.

Lisburne SEND School– sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are achieved through adversity and navigating a live project through a fire incident required calm decision-making, strong relationships and clear leadership across the client, contractor and consultant teams.

Name three words that describe your personality

Approachable, reliable, pragmatic.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

It works. It’s a genuinely welcoming and collaborative network where relationships come first. It never feels transactional — it’s about building real connections with a diverse mix of businesses across the region.

What are your priorities for 2026?

Continuing to build strong, supportive teams across Manchester and Liverpool is my main focus. Creating the right environment for people to grow, feel valued and perform at their best is key.

Alongside that, maintaining a high standard of project delivery and strengthening long-term client relationships across the region.

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

Manchester is evolving at pace and there’s a real energy across the city at the moment.

Major developments like Co-op Live, the ongoing conversation around Manchester United’s stadium, and large-scale schemes like Therme Manchester are all shaping the future of the region. There’s also a growing emphasis on wellbeing, sustainability and creating places that genuinely work for people, which is great to see.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester

San Carlo Cicchetti — a great atmosphere and always a good spot for both informal catch-ups and more relaxed meetings.

Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

I’m always keen to connect with like-minded professionals who value collaboration, strong relationships and delivering real impact.

Particularly those working across education, healthcare and regeneration, where projects can make a meaningful difference to communities.

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07775 874 726

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-brankin-a022162a