Traincrew Programme Manager - 2 year fixed term

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations
SALARY: Circa £66,000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: Leeds/York/Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week

Traincrew Programme Manager

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every service that arrives on time, every customer journey that runs smoothly, and every timetable we deliver, there’s a huge amount of planning, coordination and expertise happening behind the scenes.

As our Traincrew Programme Manager, you’ll take ownership of one of the most important operational programmes in our business. This role sits at the heart of our Operational Readiness team and will shape how we plan, deploy and optimise traincrew across the network for years to come. You'll be responsible for turning strategy into action, bringing together workforce planning, training, rostering, and utilisation into one integrated programme that delivers real, measurable results.

This is a role with significant visibility and influence. You'll work closely with senior leaders across Northern and the wider rail industry, helping us build a sustainable traincrew model that improves performance, strengthens operational resilience and supports the future of rail in the North. If you enjoy solving complex challenges, bringing people together around a common goal, and leading change at scale, you'll find plenty to get stuck into here.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the end-to-end delivery of Northern's Traincrew Programme, making sure multiple workstreams come together as one clear, coordinated plan.

That means you'll:

• Own the overall programme roadmap, ensuring priorities, dependencies and delivery milestones remain aligned.
• Translate strategic objectives into practical, achievable programmes of work.
• Build and lead programme governance, providing clear reporting, insight and assurance to senior stakeholders and executive leaders.
• Drive programme delivery across multiple functions including workforce planning, recruitment, training, rostering, and utilisation activity.
• Define, measure and realise programme benefits, ensuring improvements are reflected in day-to-day operational performance.
• Lead and influence stakeholders across all areas within Northern.
• Identify and manage programme risks, developing mitigation plans that keep delivery on track.
• Establish consistent delivery standards, governance frameworks and ways of working that continue long after the programme has been delivered.
• Lead specialist resources and create a high-performing culture focused on outcomes, accountability and continuous improvement.

About you

Leading large-scale programmes, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering meaningful change – that's the foundation of this role.

We're looking for someone who can bring together complex moving parts and create clarity, momentum and results.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading complex, cross-functional programmes in large operational environments.
• A track record of delivering strategic change and measurable business improvements.
• Strong programme management expertise, including governance, integration, benefits realisation and risk management.
• The confidence to engage with and influence senior leaders, including executive-level stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear decisions and actions.
• Experience managing competing priorities and navigating ambiguity while maintaining focus on outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to create alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience working with large budgets and financial targets.
• A collaborative approach and a genuine belief that the best results come from working together.

Experience within rail, transport, logistics or another complex operational environment would be particularly valuable, but if you've delivered large-scale transformation programmes elsewhere, we'd love to hear from 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.