TRU Depot and Stabling Readiness Lead

Job Description

Location: York or Leeds

Reporting to: Head of Engineering Programmes

Grade: ML2 / SB2

Salary: £61,000- £71,000 Depending on experience

Safety Critical: No

Big infrastructure projects only succeed when everything is ready on day one – the people, the trains, the depots, the plans behind the plans. That’s where this role comes in.

As TRU Depot and Stabling Readiness Lead, you will be a key enabler for one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the North, ensuring that Northern's engineering operation can continue whilst the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) blockades take place. One of the key projects in this programme is the mobilisation of the new Shipley TrainCare Centre and the relocation of the fleets from Neville Hill during the blockade in 2028. Your job is to make sure new infrastructure doesn’t just get built – it gets used, safely, smoothly, and with confidence.

This is a role with real influence. You’ll connect engineering, operations, fleet, commercial and workforce planning, turning complex construction milestones into operational reality. When depots open, fleets move, or blockades begin, you’ll be the one making sure Northern is ready.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading operational readiness planning for major depot and stabling changes, including the commissioning and integration of Shipley TrainCare Centre.
• Coordinating the permanent relocation of fleet and colleagues into new facilities, making sure safety, welfare and operational needs are fully embedded.
• Planning and delivering readiness for TRU North and East blockades, including temporary relocation of Neville Hill fleet and resources.
• Acting as the central coordination point between Northern, Network Rail TRU project teams, and third-party suppliers.
• Aligning construction programmes with fleet deployment, service planning and workforce readiness.
• Making sure temporary stabling and maintenance locations are fully equipped, compliant and ready before blockades begin.
• Overseeing the smooth ramp-down and return to home depots once blockade activity ends.
• Managing readiness risks, issues and dependencies, escalating where needed through programme governance.
• Providing clear, confident reporting on readiness progress, resourcing and costs – including senior leadership and board-level updates.
• Leading a small specialist team and working through matrixed colleagues across the business to keep momentum strong.

About you

Railway infrastructure doesn’t faze you – in fact, you thrive on it. You understand how depots, rolling stock and operations fit together, and you know that readiness is about people and planning as much as it is about assets.

You’ll bring:

• Solid experience delivering complex programmes in a rail or regulated infrastructure environment.
• A strong understanding of rolling stock, depot facilities and commissioning processes.
• Confidence managing construction and infrastructure transitions alongside live operations.
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting budgets, forecasts and supplier arrangements.
• A recognised project or programme management qualification, such as PRINCE2.
• A working knowledge of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation, including Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations.

Most importantly, you’re someone who can join the dots – influencing senior leaders, working calmly through pressure, and turning strategic goals into practical, deliverable readiness plans.

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 and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, with clear pathways across the business.
• Recognition: Through our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, we celebrate brilliant work 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, 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 firmly on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. This role puts you right at the centre of that transformation.

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 belongs. 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 unconscious bias and 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.