Assistant Timetable Planning Manager

Job Description

Assistant Timetable Planning Manager

Salary: £43,934 - £46,336

Grade: ML1 / SB3

Hours: 37 per week

Role Type: On site / Hybrid

Location: York

Introduction

As part of our Service Planning team at Northern, you’d be right at the centre of how our train services come to life. Every timetable starts with thoughtful planning, clever coordination, and the kind of clear decision-making that helps millions of people travel with confidence across the North.

Timetabling at Northern is a true team sport. It brings together data, insight, and collaboration with partners across the railway. You’d help shape the services that connect our communities – the journeys people rely on for work, school, days out, and everything in between. If you enjoy solving puzzles, spotting patterns, and bringing order to complex information, you’ll feel right at home here.

What you’ll be doing

You’d help turn service ideas into reliable plans that work on the ground. Day to day, you’d be:

• Exploring and evaluating different service options for Northern’s routes in partnership with stakeholders.

• Developing route resourcing strategies that support our business plans.

• Project managing the creation of detailed timetable specifications for every Northern service.

• Taking part in the Engineering Access Statement and Timetable Planning Rules process.

• Offering expert advice on train planning and timing, including negotiating paths with Network Rail.

• Looking into route strategy and service reliability challenges and helping to shape solutions.

• Producing contingency plans that keep our timetable robust when things change.

• Supporting projects that identify the right infrastructure improvements for the future.

• Coordinating resource-trading needs with other train operators.

• Giving clear guidance to teams across Planning & Programmes.

• Pitching in to support the wider Service Planning team when needed.

About you

You bring a mix of analytical thinking, steady judgement, and the kind of communication skills that help bring people along with you. It’s about clarity, curiosity, and taking pride in work that affects thousands of daily journeys.

Proficiency in project management and negotiation skills, confidence working with complex data, and experience in train planning – that’s three things you’ll bring that will help you succeed straight away.

We’re also looking for:

• Strong understanding of timing techniques and route geography.

• Knowledge of the Engineering Access Statement and Timetable Planning Rules.

• A collaborative approach, with the ability to explain technical detail in a clear, friendly way.

• A commitment to safety and doing things the right way.

• A self-starter mindset, with the ability to influence, guide, and shape decisions.

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.

• 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 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.