Maintenance Team Leader

Job Description

Grade: A+
Salary: £54,641.00
Location: Barrow Train Sidings

People across the North rely on our trains to get to work, see family, and do the everyday things that matter. Behind every reliable service is a team making sure our fleet is safe, well maintained, and ready to roll.

As part of our Train Care Centre operation in Barrow, you’d play a key role in keeping Northern’s trains moving. This is a hands-on leadership role where your technical expertise and people skills come together – supporting your team, working closely with operations, and making sure maintenance work is completed safely, correctly, and on time.

If you enjoy being at the heart of the action, leading from the front and solving problems as they happen, this is a role where your impact is seen every single day.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading a team carrying out maintenance on Northern’s fleet, including attending call-outs and running faults
• Liaising with the operations team on vehicle movements and keeping Maintenance Control informed of completed work
• Making sure safety procedures, work instructions, and statutory requirements are followed at all times
• Signing off worksheets accurately and ensuring work is completed to the required standard
• Holding regular team meetings so issues are resolved quickly and effectively
• Delivering technical, quality, safety, and general briefings, and making sure actions are followed through
• Supporting people management activities, including sickness monitoring, discipline processes, and planning team leave

About you

You’ll bring strong technical knowledge and the confidence to lead in a safety-critical environment. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and vehicle body skills – that’s the technical foundation you’ll stand on. Add to that completed craft interchangeability training and a solid understanding of Vehicle Maintenance Instructions (VMI) and working instructions, and you’re off to a strong start.

Just as important is how you work with people. You’ll be someone who communicates clearly, thinks on your feet, and knows how to train, develop, and motivate a team – even when the pressure is on. Flexibility matters too. Our trains and Train Care Centres run seven days a week, so you’ll need to adapt to changing demands and live within a 60-minute drive of Barrow Train Sidings.

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.