Traincrew Diagram Planning Assistant

Job Description

Traincrew Diagram Planning Support

Business Function: Strategic Development

Salary: £38,650

Location: York

Work Type: Hybrid

Introduction

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every one of those services is a carefully planned set of diagrams that make sure the right people are in the right place at the right time – safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

As part of our Traincrew Diagram Planning team, you’d play a key role in keeping that system running smoothly. Based in York, this role sits at the heart of service planning, supporting the team that builds and maintains traincrew diagrams for our everyday timetable and for special traffic changes. It’s detailed, purposeful work that directly supports our colleagues on the front line and helps Northern deliver a dependable service across the North.

What you’ll be doing

This is a varied role where no two days look quite the same. You’ll be trusted to handle information carefully, work to deadlines, and keep things moving behind the scenes. That includes:

• Producing and developing Working Timetable (WTT) and Special Traffic traincrew diagrams, always within agreed safety criteria and timescales

• Supporting staff consultation by preparing clear documentation for timetable changes and diagram alterations

• Reviewing proposed diagram changes at pre-planning stage, checking against agreements and updated specifications

• Working closely with depot management teams and our Resource Planning team to make sure diagrams are delivered on time

• Helping produce schedule cards using the Voyage Plan System

• Feeding into the development of future planning systems, sharing practical insight from day-to-day work

• Supporting efforts to reduce unnecessary taxi use, improving performance and creating cost efficiencies

• Reviewing planning logs, extracting and collating incidents, and making sure the right information reaches the right manager

• Providing a broad administration support service, from reports and correspondence to maintaining accurate documentation

You’ll be working under the direction of the Head of Service Planning and the Traincrew Diagram Planning Manager, with plenty of opportunity to learn how the wider planning operation fits together.

About you

You don’t need to know everything on day one. What matters most is how you work and how you approach the detail. We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Integrity, discretion, and a professional approach to handling confidential information

• The ability to work on your own initiative, using sound judgement and common sense

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including taking concise, accurate notes

• Strong organisation skills – juggling deadlines, data, and competing priorities without losing focus

• Confidence working with large volumes of data and producing accurate reports

• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, and a willingness to learn new systems

• A mindset for improvement – spotting better ways of doing things and helping put them into practice

• An interest in developing within diagramming and taking part in further training as your experience grows

If you enjoy structured problem-solving, working collaboratively, and seeing the impact of your work on a live railway, you’ll feel right at home.

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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. 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.