Operations Coordinator

Job Description

Operations Co-Ordinator

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations
SALARY: £24,786 rising to £29,159 after training period
ROLE TYPE: On-site
LOCATION: Newcastle
HOURS: 35 per week

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every on-time departure and smooth platform change is a team working calmly and confidently to keep things moving. As part of our team in Newcastle, you’d be right at the centre of that action – coordinating traincrew and units, supporting service recovery, and helping make sure the day runs as it should.

This role sits within our North-East area and works closely with the Operations Manager and Station Co-ordinator. You’ll be the link between traincrew, control, engineering and station teams – helping to minimise disruption and keep customers on the move. It’s fast-paced, varied and genuinely influential. When something changes, you’re one of the people who helps put it right.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the Station Co-ordinator to manage traincrew and unit movements at Newcastle
• Taking quick, practical action during shortages or disruption to reduce impact on services
• Working closely with Northern Operations Control to keep services running smoothly
• Liaising with Network Rail signallers and other operators to organise platforming and unit swaps
• Reporting unit defects and checking availability with Heaton TrainCare Centre
• Proactively working with traincrew and station colleagues to reduce delays and cancellations
• Issuing, collecting and accounting for mobile ticketing machines in line with cash regulations
• Handling balancing, banking and associated accountancy tasks
• Using accountancy software to produce reports
• Ordering ticket stock and maintaining strong office security
• Keeping your workplace safe, tidy and compliant with all safety rules and procedures

About you

Calm thinking, clear communication and confidence with numbers – that’s three things you’ll bring to the role.

• You’ll have a good general standard of education and be comfortable using IT systems. You know how to stay focused when things get busy and can prioritise without losing sight of the detail.
• Experience working in an operational or rail environment would help, especially if you understand Safety Management System Policies and Procedures and delay attribution processes, but what really matters is your ability to work collaboratively and make sound decisions under pressure.
• You’re someone who builds positive working relationships – with traincrew, control teams, engineers and managers alike. You take safety seriously, follow procedures carefully and speak up if something isn’t right.

If you can stay steady when plans change and take pride in keeping things running behind the scenes, you’ll fit right in.

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.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

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 2,650 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, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. 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 a 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.