Traincrew Controller - fixed term until Sept 27

Job Description

Traincrew Controller

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Control
SALARY: £58,487 per annum (90% salary during training period)
ROLE TYPE: Onsite
LOCATION: York ROC
HOURS: 42 per week

Every day, thousands of people rely on Northern to get where they need to be. Behind every train that arrives on time is a team making hundreds of decisions to keep services running safely and smoothly.

As a Traincrew Controller, you'll be right at the heart of that operation. Based in our Control team in York, you'll manage traincrew resources in real time, responding to everything from unexpected absences to major service disruption. It's a role where no two shifts are the same. One moment you'll be coordinating crew movements across the network, the next you'll be finding solutions that help keep customers moving and minimise disruption.

You'll work closely with colleagues across Control, Resource Planning, Network Rail and other train operating companies, making decisions that have a direct impact on our services, our people and our customers. If you enjoy solving problems, thinking on your feet and staying calm when the pressure is on, you'll feel right at home here.

What you'll be doing

You'll be responsible for the real-time management of traincrew across the Northern network, ensuring services are delivered safely and efficiently.

Day to day, you'll:

• Manage traincrew deployment and respond to changes in operational requirements
• Make decisions during service disruption to reduce delays and maintain service levels
• Update rostering systems and communicate changes to relevant teams
• Monitor attendance and ensure records are accurate for payroll purposes
• Arrange alternative transport or accommodation for traincrew when needed
• Work closely with other controllers, Resource Planning and operational colleagues across the railway
• Maintain accurate operational records and contribute to daily event logs
• Support colleagues through coaching, training and mentoring where required
• Put customers at the centre of decision-making, helping deliver the best possible outcome during disruption.

About you

Keeping trains moving takes good judgement, quick thinking and the confidence to make decisions when the unexpected happens.

We're looking for someone with railway operational knowledge and the ability to balance safety, performance and customer needs. You'll bring:

• Experience of working within a railway operational environment
• Knowledge of passenger train operations, disruption management and railway safety requirements
• A good understanding of traincrew rostering and conditions of service
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of colleagues
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions quickly
• Good IT skills and confidence using operational systems
• A customer-focused mindset and a commitment to delivering the best possible service
• An eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities at the same time.

If you can spot a solution before others see a problem, and you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment, this could be the role for you.

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.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

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 2,650 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.