Train Cleaner - Nights

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: TPO

SALARY: £26,400 per annum

ROLE TYPE: Onsite

HOURS: 35 per week. 21:45 - 06:00.

SHIFTS: 5 on 3 off on an 8 week rolling roster.

While most of the North is asleep, our trains are getting ready for a new day. The night cleaning team plays a vital role in making sure every service starts the morning clean, safe, and ready to go. You'll be based out of Manchester Piccadilly Station, but driving to other locations to support our network, you'll be at the heart of the operation, helping to provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while supporting the reliable running of train services every day.

As a Night Train Cleaner at Northern, you’re part of the team that sets the standard before the first passengers step on board. Working behind the scenes, you’ll help keep our fleet in top condition, tackling everything from everyday cleaning to deeper, specialist work. If you take pride in a job done properly and like seeing the impact of your work first-hand, nights could suit you down to the ground.

What you’ll be doing

Working as part of our night operation, you’ll help prepare trains for the next day’s service. Your work will include:

• Cleaning train interiors thoroughly, including tables, windows, seats, floors, and high-touch areas.
• Removing litter and emptying bins.
• Restocking toilet supplies such as soap and toilet paper.
• Carrying out full cleans or deep cleans, depending on your team, to ensure trains meet high hygiene standards.
• Using specialist cleaning equipment, once trained, to remove ingrained dirt across all areas of the train.
• Responding safely and promptly to more significant cleaning tasks, including biological spills such as blood or vomit.
• Working closely with colleagues to make sure trains are ready for service on time.

About you

Attention to detail, reliability, and pride in your work – that’s what matters most here. You’ll also be:

• Happy working nights as part of either a Full Clean or Deep Clean team, focusing on getting trains ready for the morning rush.
• Comfortable learning how to use specialist cleaning equipment and techniques.
• Confident working both outdoors and onboard trains, in all weather conditions.
• Physical capability and stamina—you’re comfortable climbing onto trains from ground level and staying active throughout your shift (hitting 10,000+ steps a night is standard).
• Confident using technology, with the ability to accurately record and manage tasks such as cleaning schedules through our MPRO5 system.
• Flexible enough to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rolling shift pattern.
• Keen to learn. No previous cleaning experience is needed – full training is provided.

As this role requires driving our company van you must hold a full UK driving licence with a clean driving record, and be at least 21 years old for insurance purposes.

This is a role in a safety critical environment, which means you’ll need to meet Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) requirements. To apply, you must:

• Live within a 45-minute car journey of the station you’ll work from.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Pass a safety-critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Have normal colour vision.

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: 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: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear pathways across the business.
• Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the brilliant work our people do 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’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, you’ll be offered an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers are 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.