Special Traffic Manager

Job Description

JOB ROLE: Special Traffic Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Strategic Development
SALARY: £36,804 - £43,771
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
HOURS: 37 per week
LOCATION: Manchester

When major engineering work reshapes the railway or planned changes affect how trains run, getting people where they need to be takes more than a standard timetable. It takes careful analysis, structured planning, and someone who can see how individual changes affect the whole network.

As part of our Service Planning team at Northern, you’ll play a central role in designing and coordinating service alterations that keep the region moving. While this can include public holidays or occasional major events, the focus of the role is on planned engineering access, timetable changes, and data-led service planning that ensures services remain robust, workable and customer-focused.

It’s a role with real visibility and real impact. When complex changes are delivered smoothly and information is accurate, timely and consistent, you’ll know your work has made the difference.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll take the lead on planning and coordinating service alterations arising from planned engineering work and other network changes, ensuring proposals are operationally sound and clearly communicated.

That includes:

• Producing detailed, data-driven service specifications that balance operational constraints with customer needs.

• Managing the Informed Traveller process, using accurate data and strong attention to detail to ensure customers receive clear and timely information.

• Supporting the engineering access planning process, helping keep plans consistent, structured and well-controlled across all Northern routes.

• Working closely with teams across Northern and with industry partners to analyse impacts, resolve issues early, and avoid problems reaching the day of operation.

This is a role that places strong emphasis on analysis, precision and coordination, with collaboration at its core.

About you

You’ll bring strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail and a good understanding of railway geography.

You’re comfortable working with large amounts of information, interpreting data, and managing multiple interdependent plans at once. You’re methodical, organised and confident coordinating with a wide range of internal teams and external stakeholders. You’re able to make well-judged decisions that balance operational requirements with the customer experience.

If you enjoy turning complex information and data into clear, workable plans — and take pride in getting the details right — you’ll feel right at home here.

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.