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SHIFTS: Night shifts (20:15 – 06:15) on a 4 week rolling roster
ROLE TYPE: Onsite
While most of the North is asleep, our trains are getting ready for a new day. People come to Northern for trains they can rely on – and that starts with how they look and feel. Based out of our Heaton Traincare Centre, you’ll be playing a vital role at one of our key sites, keeping Newcastle’s fleet clean, safe, and ready for service every day. A clean, welcoming train sets the tone for every journey, whether someone is heading to work, visiting family, or exploring the North.
As part of our Engineering function, you’d be right at the heart of that experience. This is a busy, fast-paced role that requires proven team leader or supervisory experience. You'll be leading from the front, getting stuck in alongside a dedicated team of Train Cleaners to deliver consistently high standards, day in and day out. You’ll be hands-on, outdoors, and onboard our trains, taking ownership to make sure every shift runs smoothly and every train leaves looking its best.
What you’ll be doing
Leading and supporting a team of Train Cleaners from the ground level to deliver spotless trains and hygienic working environments.
Taking full responsibility for the successful running of a demanding shift – organising workloads, allocating tasks, and communicating priorities clearly under tight deadlines.
Working alongside your team to complete intensive cleaning tasks, setting the standard through your own strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Making sure health and safety procedures are strictly followed at all times, including the safe handling of cleaning chemicals, heavy equipment, and site protocols.
Creating a positive, resilient, and supportive atmosphere where new starters and experienced colleagues feel confident and held to account.
About you
Pride, practical leadership, and genuine resilience – that’s what will set you up for success here. You’ll bring:
Proven experience as a Team Leader or Supervisor, with the confidence to direct a team, manage performance on shift, and take complete ownership from start to finish.
Tech-savvy and data-confident – comfortable using digital devices, mobile apps, and systems to track shift progress, interpret cleaning data, and send accurate, detailed updates to leadership teams.
A hands-on, hard-working approach – this isn't a desk job or a purely managerial role; you'll be actively getting stuck in with the physical work alongside your team every single shift.
A strong sense of responsibility for health and safety, with the confidence to enforce procedures strictly and call out unsafe practices immediately.
Clear, effective communication skills – whether you’re briefing your team under pressure or working with wider operations.
Resilience and composure – the ability to stay calm, adapt to sudden changes, and deal with physically demanding or difficult situations without compromising on quality.
You’re comfortable working outdoors and onboard trains in all weather conditions, adaptable to changing demands, and happy to work shifts including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays when needed. It’s a fast-paced, highly physical, and challenging role – the kind where hitting well over a 10,000-step day in a dirty environment is all part of the job, and no two shifts ever feel the same.
While previous cleaning experience isn't required, demonstrable supervisory experience and a active, lead-by-example attitude are essential – we’ll provide all the role-specific technical training to set you up for success.
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 18 years old at the time of application.
Be able to pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
Have no defective 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: 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: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear career pathways across the business.
Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the people who make a difference 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.
Working at Northern
Hybrid - HQ teams (work where you're needed), Operational teams (work across the network)
A little flex time
Company employees:
7000+
Gender diversity (m:f):
79:21
Hiring in countries
United Kingdom
Office Locations
Company benefits
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Adoption leave
Buy or sell annual leave – purchase up to 5 days
Carer’s leave
Compassionate leave
Cycle to work scheme
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice
Emergency leave
Employee assistance programme
Employee discounts
Employee phone programme
Enhanced maternity leave – 9 months full pay
Enhanced paternity leave – 2 weeks full pay
Enhanced pension match/contribution – defined benefit scheme, 1.5x employer contribution
Enhanced sick pay
Eye Care Support
Faith rooms
Fertility treatment leave
In house training
Learning platform
Mental health first aiders
Mentoring
Neonatal leave
Open to job sharing
Open to part-time employees
Optional unpaid leave
Pregnancy loss leave
Pregnancy support
Professional subscriptions
Reservist leave
Sabbaticals
Shared parental leave
Travel credit – Free travel on Northern trains, discounted travel on other operators across the UK and Europe
