Join Northern as a Depot Support Team Member at the Newton Heath TrainCare Centre in Manchester. This is an on-site, full-time role requiring 35 hours per week with shift work including weekends, offering a salary of £26,400 per annum. You will play a hands-on role in keeping depots safe, clean, and operational.
Requirements
No previous experience required; full training is provided.
Must be willing to perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends, to meet operational needs.
Ability to follow procedures and maintain safety-critical standards.
Must meet Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) safety-critical criteria and pass a medical assessment and DBS check.
Skills & Responsibilities
Attention to detail: Carry out external cleaning of trains and depot grounds upkeep to maintain high presentation standards.
Equipment operation: Use high-pressure cleaning equipment safely and effectively on train components.
Operational support: Handle depot tasks such as fuelling, tanking, and Controlled Emission Toilet (CET) duties.
Team collaboration: Support skilled tradespeople with basic maintenance activities and follow instructions in a safety-critical environment.
Potential transition routes: People from hospitality, retail, or general labour roles may bring strong work ethics and adaptability, alongside meeting the physical and safety requirements of this position.
Job description
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: TPO
SALARY: £26,400 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On site
Hours: 35 per week
Clean, well-kept Train Care Centres don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of people taking pride in their work and understanding how much the basics matter.
As a Train Care Centre Cleaner at Northern, you’d play a hands-on role in keeping our depots safe, presentable, and ready for action. From supporting train cleaning activities to maintaining outdoor areas, your work helps our trains leave the depot in the right condition and our colleagues work in an environment they can rely on.
This is practical, physical work with a clear purpose. You’ll see the results of your effort every day – and you’ll know it makes a difference.
What you’ll be doing
Carrying out external cleaning of Northern trains within the Train Care Centre, making sure they meet the standards our customers and stakeholders expect
Using high-pressure cleaning equipment to clean train components safely and effectively
Supporting skilled tradespeople with basic maintenance activities on trains when needed
Maintaining depot grounds, including tidying walkways, cutting grass, trimming vegetation, and general outdoor upkeep
Supporting depot operations through tasks such as fuelling, tanking, and Controlled Emission Toilet (CET) duties
Working closely with colleagues to follow instructions, meet shared goals, and keep standards consistently high
About you
You’re reliable, hardworking, and happy to roll up your sleeves. Physical work doesn’t put you off, and you’re comfortable working outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Attention to detail, flexibility, and a willingness to learn – those are three things you’ll bring to the role. You take pride in doing a job properly and understand the importance of following instructions in a safety-critical environment.
What you’ll bring
A positive, can-do attitude and a strong work ethic
Flexibility to work shifts that meet operational needs, including weekends
The ability to follow procedures and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety
A willingness to learn new tasks and skills – no previous experience is required, as full training will be provided
This is a safety-critical role and is subject to Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. To apply, you must meet the required safety-critical criteria. These will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.
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 plug-in 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 2,500 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.
