Facilities Team Leader

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: Fleet Level 6
SALARY: £55,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On Site
HOURS: 35 per week

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind the scenes, that reliability starts with the equipment inside our TrainCare Centres – the lifting jacks, depot systems and plant machinery that keep our fleet moving safely and on time.

As part of our Plant Maintenance and Facilities team, you’ll take the lead in keeping that critical equipment in top condition. This is your chance to step into leadership while staying close to the tools – guiding a skilled team, shaping how work gets done, and making sure safety and performance go hand in hand. Whether you’re already with Northern and ready for more responsibility, or you’re bringing leadership experience from another engineering environment, this is an opportunity to make your mark in a sector that keeps the North moving every day.

What you’ll be doing:

You’ll balance people leadership with technical know-how – setting direction while staying connected to the day-to-day reality of depot life.

• Leading a team of maintenance engineers and technicians – setting clear expectations and giving them the support they need to deliver at their best.

• Managing day-to-day people matters, including performance, attendance and wellbeing, with fairness and consistency.

• Planning and prioritising maintenance, servicing and repairs so operational needs are met safely and on time.

• Stepping in with hands-on technical support when needed – leading by example and showing what good looks like.

• Championing a strong safety culture, ensuring safe systems of work are followed and all activity meets Northern’s compliance standards.

• Coaching and developing your team, building confidence, capability and continuous improvement into the way you work together.

This is a safety-critical role, meaning it plays a direct part in keeping colleagues and customers safe every day.

About you:

You’ll bring solid engineering foundations and the drive to help others succeed.

• A Level 3 NVQ or recognised apprenticeship in Engineering, with strong mechanical, electrical or plant maintenance knowledge.

• Experience in a maintenance, engineering or depot environment, plus a genuine interest in developing people.

• Clear, confident communication skills – you know how to motivate, guide and support a team.

• The confidence to make decisions and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, safety-critical setting.

• A proactive mindset – always looking for smarter, safer and more efficient ways to work.

Because this role is safety critical and regulated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board, you’ll also need to:

• Live within a 45-minute car journey of the location you’ll be working from.

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

• Pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.

• Meet the required standards for colour vision.

If you meet the essential criteria, we’d love to hear from you – even if you don’t tick every single box.

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, 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.