Shift Production Manager

Job Description

FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: ML1/SB3

SALARY: £59,910 per annum (plus 10% shift allowance)

ROLE: Type: Onsite

HOURS: 37 per week

Ready to lead our teams, drive production, and keep our trains on track?

Picture yourself at the heart of a TrainCare Centre, leading dynamic engineering teams, building efficient maintenance plans, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. If you're a natural leader with a passion for continuous improvement, a strong engineering background, and the drive to deliver results, this could be just the ticket to take your career to the next level!

This isn’t just about keeping trains moving—it’s about powering the North, inspiring your team, and supporting the safe, smooth running of thousands of services that connect communities across our region.

Can you see yourself:

• Leading the Way: Managing and motivating Production and Movements teams across our TrainCare Centre and Outstations to deliver reliable and efficient maintenance.
• Working Collaboratively: Partnering with fellow Production and Planning Managers to create strong, achievable production plans and keep the fleet running like clockwork.
• Driving Safety & Standards: Championing a positive safety culture while ensuring high-quality, compliant, and environmentally responsible operations.
• Supporting Your People: Managing team performance, supporting with recruitment, handling attendance and sickness, and being a key point of contact for your colleagues’ wellbeing and development.
• Improving Every Day: Spotting opportunities for continuous improvement and supporting innovation in the way we work.
• Mentoring & Motivating: Recruiting, developing and inspiring the next generation of engineers to be the best they can be.
• Balancing the Big Picture: Keeping a keen eye on material usage, stock, and reliability to maintain performance while staying cost-effective.

Are you:

• Technically Qualified? You’ll have a Level 3 engineering qualification and ideally HNC/HND level (or equivalent) or willing to work towards – Alongside NEBOSH or management qualifications or willing to work towards.
• A People Leader? You’ve got the interpersonal skills to lead, engage, and inspire diverse teams in a busy operational environment.
• Experienced in Engineering Ops? You know your way around depot management, rolling stock, and all things fleet-related (desirable).
• Calm Under Pressure? When things get busy, you stay composed and make confident decisions to keep things on track.
• A Confident Communicator? You can work across teams, share updates, and build strong working relationships with ease.
• Solution Focused? You're driven by results and passionate about improving processes and delivering safe, reliable trains.

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.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• 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, 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 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.