Operations Team Support

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations
SALARY: £25,271 rising to £30,295 after 6 month ROLE TYPE: Onsite
LOCATION: Manchester HOURS: 35 per week
Operations Team Support

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every service that runs on time, there’s a team making sure our train crew have the equipment, information and support they need to do their job safely and effectively.

As part of our Operations team at Manchester Victoria, you’d play a vital role in keeping things moving behind the scenes. From managing equipment and mobile devices to supporting operational administration and performance reporting, your work would help ensure our colleagues have what they need, when they need it.

This is a varied role where no two days are quite the same. One moment you could be issuing equipment to train crew colleagues, the next you might be coordinating deliveries, maintaining records or supporting managers with key operational tasks. If you enjoy staying organised, working with people and being at the heart of a busy team, this could be the role for you.

What you'll be doing

You'll be the go-to person for a range of operational support activities, including:

• Managing and maintaining train crew equipment and supplies, including ordering, storing and issuing items when needed
• Setting up, configuring and issuing mobile phone devices for colleagues
• Keeping accurate electronic records to ensure equipment is tracked and accounted for
• Receiving, sorting and distributing mail, deliveries and packages
• Coordinating uniform deliveries and maintaining records to ensure colleagues receive and sign for their items
• Making sure important operational notices, briefings and publications are distributed and acknowledged
• Supporting Depot Shift Managers with administration tasks, including preparing operational documents and paperwork
• Working with operational teams to gather and record train delay information within required timescales
• Maintaining electronic logs and sharing performance information with relevant managers and teams
• Providing general administrative support across the Operations team as required

About you

Organisation, attention to detail and teamwork – that's what you'll bring to the role.

We're looking for someone who enjoys keeping things running smoothly and can manage a variety of tasks in a busy environment. You'll be comfortable using technology, communicating with different people and taking ownership of your work.

You'll ideally have:

• A good standard of education
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively
• Confidence working with IT systems, including Microsoft 365 applications
• Experience working in an administrative, stores, support or office-based environment
• Good communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels
• A proactive approach and willingness to support the wider team wherever needed
• Most importantly, you'll take pride in helping others and understand that the small things you do each day can make a big difference to the operation.

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.

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.

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 2,650 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.

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.