BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
SALARY: 63,263- £74,379 GRADE: ML2/SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York/ Leeds/Manchester
HOURS: 37
Every improvement we make to our railway starts with getting the foundations right. From the design on the drawing board to the work taking place on site, safety, quality and engineering standards have to be built into every stage.
As Design & Construction Manager at Northern, you'll play a key role in making that happen. Working across our Infrastructure & Property project portfolio, you'll help shape how projects are designed, constructed, tested and commissioned, making sure everything meets the right standards and is delivered safely and effectively.
You'll work closely with Project Managers, engineers, contractors and specialist partners, providing the expertise and guidance they need to get things right first time. Just as importantly, you'll have the opportunity to challenge established ways of working, improve our processes and make a lasting difference to how we deliver projects across the railway.
You'll be the person helping to make sure our projects are safe, compliant and built to the right standard. That means balancing technical assurance with practical support, keeping a close eye on what's happening across the project portfolio.
Here's where you'll make a difference:
You'll bring a strong civil engineering design background and understand what it takes to turn technical requirements into safe, high-quality delivery on the ground.
You'll also be someone who can influence, challenge and support others. Building relationships is important, but so is having the confidence to ask the right questions and push for improvements when something could be done better.
The experience and knowledge you'll bring includes:
Significant experience in engineering design or project engineering, ideally working across multidisciplinary design and construction projects within the rail industry.
A degree-level engineering qualification, or equivalent experience.
Chartered status, or are working towards it, within your engineering discipline.
Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution.
A good understanding of safety management, including CDM and CSM, alongside quality assurance.
Knowledge of relevant UK and European standards, Railway Group and Line Standards, and Building Regulations.
Experience working with design consultants, contractors and delivery partners.
An understanding of environmental considerations within construction.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and use your own initiative.
A health and safety qualification such as NEBOSH or IOSH would also be beneficial.
Above all, you'll be comfortable looking beyond the way things have always been done. You'll bring a practical, analytical approach to problem-solving and the confidence to turn improvement ideas into changes that make a measurable difference.
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.
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.
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.
