Delay Attribution Controller

Job Description

Delay Attribution Controller

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Control
SALARY: £52,639 rising to £58,487 after training
ROLE TYPE: Onsite
LOCATION: York ROC
HOURS: 42 rolling per week

When trains run late, understanding why matters. Every minute of delay tells a story – and getting that story right helps improve performance across the network.

Based at our Railway Operating Centre in York, you’d play a key role in making sense of those minutes. As part of the Control team, you’d investigate delays attributed to Northern, challenge decisions where needed, and work closely with stakeholders to ensure incidents are recorded accurately.

It’s a role that sits right at the heart of operational performance. Your investigations, insight, and attention to detail help us understand what’s happening on the railway day to day – and make better decisions that benefit customers across the North.

What you’ll be doing

• Investigating delays attributed to Northern under the industry delay attribution process
• Reviewing incidents in detail and ensuring delays are recorded accurately
• Raising and negotiating disputes with Network Rail where attribution is incorrect
• Collating evidence and documentation to support attribution challenges
• Acting as the focal point within Northern Control for minute-by-minute performance issues
• Providing guidance to Control colleagues on performance regime matters
• Working closely with teams across Performance, Planning and the wider business
• Contributing to a clear and accurate understanding of operational performance across the network

This role operates on a shift basis, including early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends.

About you

Investigating, analysing and making sound decisions under pressure – those are the foundations of this role. You’ll be someone who enjoys digging into the detail, weighing up evidence, and working with others to reach the right outcome.

Here are some of the things you’ll bring:

• Strong experience investigating operational incidents and making evidence-based decisions
• Confidence negotiating with external stakeholders and representing your position clearly
• A calm, analytical approach when working in a fast-moving operational environment
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a wider Control team
• Excellent communication skills and a sharp eye for detail
• Good IT skills and confidence working with operational systems and data

A good understanding of the Northern network or wider railway operations would be helpful, particularly knowledge of traincrew structures and the Passenger Information During Disruption (PIDD) initiative – but these aren’t essential.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who can bring clarity to complex situations and help the wider team understand what really happened when delays occur.

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: Tailored training and opportunities for recognised qualifications, plus career pathways across the business.
• Recognition: Celebrate brilliance every day with our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.

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.