Traincrew Utilisation Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations
SALARY: Circa £45,400 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: Leeds/York/Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week

Traincrew Utilisation Manager

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every service is a huge amount of planning to make sure the right people are in the right place at the right time. That's where this role comes in.

As part of our Operational Readiness team, you'd take ownership of how Northern uses one of its most important resources – our traincrew. This isn't about producing reports and watching from the sidelines. You'll be the person who turns data into action, helping us improve productivity, make better use of resources, and deliver real value for our customers and colleagues.

Working closely with operational leaders, depot teams, rostering specialists and planners, you'll shape how traincrew performance is measured across the business. You'll create a single source of truth for traincrew data, identify opportunities for improvement, and make sure change delivers lasting results. If you enjoy solving complex operational challenges and influencing decisions that have a direct impact on business performance, you'll find plenty to get your teeth into here.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the development of Northern's traincrew utilisation framework, helping us understand where we're performing well and where we can do better.

Day to day, you'll:

• Define and manage traincrew utilisation measures, including productivity, availability and spare utilisation
• Create and maintain trusted data sources and reporting that support operational and strategic decision-making
• Analyse trends, identify inefficiencies and develop practical solutions that improve performance
• Work with depot, planning and rostering teams to optimise resource utilisation and workforce productivity
• Challenge existing ways of working where data shows opportunities for improvement
• Support the delivery of the wider Traincrew Strategy by ensuring programme activity translates into measurable operational and financial benefits
• Track, validate and report performance improvements and realised savings
• Promote consistent ways of working across depots and operational teams
• Build strong relationships across the business, influencing stakeholders to embrace and sustain change

About you

You know how to find the story behind the numbers and, more importantly, how to turn that story into action.

Strong analytical skills, operational experience and the ability to influence others – that's three things you'll bring to the role.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience using data to improve operational or business performance
• Experience working in a complex operational environment, ideally within rostering, planning or workforce management
• The ability to translate analysis into practical improvements that deliver measurable results
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with confidence to challenge constructively when needed
• Experience working with large datasets and multiple information sources
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

It would be useful if you also have experience within rail, transport or another safety-critical industry, along with an understanding of workforce planning, rostering or absence management, but these aren't essential.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys making things happen, can see opportunities others miss, and is motivated by improving how a large operational business performs.

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.