Fleet Planner

Job Description

Grade: ML1 / SB3
Salary: £ 55,458.00
Hours: 37 hours per week (shift work)
Role type: On site

Behind every reliable train service is careful planning. As a Fleet Planner at Northern, you’d play a central role in making sure our trains are in the right place, at the right time, and maintained to the highest standards.

Working within our Engineering team, you’ll help shape the daily maintenance plan that keeps our fleet moving. From coordinating work across TrainCare Centres to responding when trains need urgent attention, your planning keeps operations running smoothly and helps ensure customers can rely on our services across the North.

This is a role where organisation, engineering awareness and clear communication come together. Your decisions help balance maintenance needs, operational demands and available resources – making sure every train has the support it needs to stay in service.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead the daily planning cycle that ensures maintenance work is achievable, efficient and aligned with operational needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the daily Planning and Production meetings to develop a realistic maintenance work plan
• Creating and issuing daily schedules for routine and reactive fleet maintenance
• Coordinating with TrainCare Centres and outstations to manage maintenance activity and unit movements
• Working closely with Northern Control to allocate trains to diagrams and maintenance locations
• Monitoring fleet mileage and ensuring maintenance intervals are met
• Investigating and resolving data discrepancies within fleet management systems
• Supporting the safe and efficient return of failed units back into service
• Ensuring maintenance plans make the best use of available facilities, resources and equipment

You’ll report to the Fleet Planning Manager and play an important role in keeping our engineering operations connected and running efficiently.

About you

Planning trains and maintenance work across a busy rail network takes focus, organisation and strong collaboration.

You’ll bring:

• A strong understanding of railway operations, rules and procedures
• Experience working with rail vehicle maintenance or rolling stock environments
• The ability to plan and prioritise work in a fast-moving operational setting
• Confidence working with multiple teams to coordinate resources and activities
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Engineering qualifications to HNC or HND level, or equivalent experience

Just as important is your mindset. You’ll be someone who stays calm under pressure, works well with others and keeps safety front of mind when making decisions.

This is a safety critical role, so the recruitment process includes a safety critical medical assessment. The role also operates on a shift basis.

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.