Fleet Planning Manager

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: ML2/SB2

SALARY: £59,056 -£69,101 per annum

ROLE TYPE: On Site

HOURS: 37 per week

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on – and that’s only possible with a fleet that’s safe, efficient, and performing at its best. This new role is all about shaping how we maintain and plan our trains, making sure we deliver the right train to the right place at the right time.

As Fleet Planning Manager, you’ll be working at the heart of our Engineering team, reporting directly to the Director of Fleet. You’ll be supporting the operating model, Plan-Led Approach, that puts strategy, foresight and precision at the centre of our maintenance work. It’s an opportunity to make a real mark, influencing how we operate not just today, but years into the future.

What you’ll be doing

• Taking overall accountability for 24/7 maintenance planning and compliance across all leased fleets in your region.
• Making sure maintenance is planned and delivered in a way that maximises train availability and performance.
• Working with the Readiness function to ensure we have a balanced Long-term and Short-term plan that meets our customer needs
• Building and leading the long-term strategic maintenance plan (up to 5 years ahead), including forecasting workload across Train Care Centres and Outstations.
• Engaging with senior stakeholders and suppliers to shape and embed a plan-led approach.
• Supporting the ongoing development of a plan led approach, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient fleet performance.

About you

You’ll be someone who can put the pro in project planning, combining a sharp analytical mind with the ability to bring people together. Here are the essentials you’ll bring:

• Experience leading across multiple sites in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience of Leading Train Care Centres and Depots
• A strategy to task mindset and skillset
• A strong track record of change management and driving transformation.
• Significant leadership experience in an operational and engineering environments.
• A self-starter with excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• The confidence to influence and communicate at senior level.
• A people-first leadership style, with emotional intelligence and commitment to developing others.
• Knowledge of railway operating rules, performance management processes and incident management.

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:

• Operating with the Senior Engineering Leadership Team: Developing your career, skills, knowledge and know how to be successful in potential senior roles
• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus 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: 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, recognised qualifications, and career pathways across the business.
• Recognition: From everyday appreciation to 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 2,500 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.