Strategic Traincrew Resource Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Strategic Traincrew Resource Manager

Business Function: Operational Readiness

Salary: £59,000

Role Type: Hybrid

Location: York / Manchester / Leeds

Hours: 37

A reliable railway starts long before a train leaves the platform. Behind every timetable is a complex plan ensuring the right people are in the right place, with the right skills, at the right time.

As part of our Operational Readiness team at Northern, you’d take the lead on the strategy that makes this possible. Traincrew represent a significant part of how the railway runs day to day, and this role sits at the centre of making sure that resource is planned wisely, used effectively, and ready for the future. Working closely with colleagues across operations, service planning, finance and people teams, you’ll shape how traincrew resource supports new timetables, infrastructure programmes and operational change across the North.

It’s a role with real reach. Your work will help ensure customers get the reliable service they expect, while making sure Northern’s largest operational workforce is planned in a way that delivers value and resilience.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll oversee the strategic planning of traincrew resources across Northern, ensuring future timetables and operational changes are fully supported by the right workforce plan.

Day to day, you’ll be:

• Leading Northern’s traincrew resourcing strategy to ensure planned services are deliverable and reliable
• Planning resource requirements for future timetable changes, infrastructure programmes and major operational projects
• Working closely with service planning teams to ensure traincrew diagrams are realistic and achievable
• Providing accurate workforce forecasts that support financial planning and operational decision making
• Acting as a key point of coordination between operations, finance, people teams and service planning to create joined-up resource plans
• Leading and supporting a small specialist team responsible for analysis and training delivery linked to major programmes
• Developing performance dashboards and key performance indicators that track traincrew resourcing performance
• Representing Northern in industry forums and working groups to share insight, influence future change and learn from best practice
• Helping identify smarter, more efficient ways to plan and manage operational resources across the business

About you

Strategic thinking, strong analysis and collaborative leadership; that’s the core of this role.

You’ll be comfortable working with complex operational plans and turning them into practical resource strategies that keep the railway moving. You’ll also bring the confidence to work with senior leaders and industry partners to shape decisions that affect services across the North.

We’re particularly interested in people who bring:

• Experience leading large operational change programmes or complex workforce planning initiatives
• Strong programme or project management expertise, ideally delivering large-scale transformation
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear decisions
• Experience working with significant budgets or financial planning processes
• The confidence to influence across teams and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• The ability to bring people together, align priorities and create practical solutions in complex environments
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

If you enjoy solving big operational puzzles and turning strategy into something that works in the real world, 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.