At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with journey information and ensure a smooth travel experience.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel for you and your family, plus discounts across the UK.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and make a real difference in customer service.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23970 - 28492 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Customer & Commercial - Stations
SALARY: £23,970 during your first 6 months of training, this will then rise to £28,492, Plus aggregation/IUP Allowance (Where Applicable), Plus overtime opportunities
Grade: CO 1/2
ROLE TYPE: Customer Service
HOURS: Full Time
Are you passionate about people and love helping others? We’re on the lookout for a Customer Relations Assistant at Bolton to join our dedicated Station Teams across the Central Region. As the face of Northern, you'll provide essential support and information to our customers, ensuring their journey is smooth from start to finish. If you thrive in a role where every day is different, love solving problems, and enjoy being part of a friendly and supportive team - we’d love to hear from you!
What You’ll Be Doing
- Be the go-to person for customer advice on journey times, service delays, tickets, fares, and reservations
- Ensure our stations remain safe, clean, and welcoming at all times
- Ticket Sales & Issuing
- Handle challenging or complex customer queries with confidence and care
- Maintain compliance through internal checks and procedures
- Passenger Assistance support
- Oversee ticketing, stores, and leaflet stock levels
- Manage station finances, including cash handling and preparing for banking
- Provide vital support during service disruption to minimise customer impact
- Ensure all station promotional materials are accurate and up to date
About you
- A genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong IT literacy and the ability to learn new systems
- Confidence to work independently and handle responsibility
- Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends, with flexibility around rosters that can change up to 48 hours prior (including location)
- Commitment to working as part of a General Purpose Relief (GPR) team — covering multiple stations on your line of route
- A Guaranteed Sunday Rest Day (GPR) – unless rostered to work that day
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 plug-in 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.
We may close this role early if we receive high volumes of applications, so don’t delay — apply today! However, if you miss the application window for this particular role, please keep checking back for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for great people to join the Northern Team!
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.
Station Clerk — Flexible Shifts & Free Travel in Bolton employer: Northern Trains Limited
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and customer service. With benefits like unlimited free travel for you and your family, a generous pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we are committed to supporting your career growth while ensuring a rewarding work-life balance in the heart of Bolton.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Station Clerk — Flexible Shifts & Free Travel in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Northern and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local job fairs. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and problem-solving. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Station Clerk — Flexible Shifts & Free Travel in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service:Make sure to highlight your genuine passion for helping others in your application. We want to see how you connect with customers and make their journeys smoother!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that match the role. We love seeing candidates who put in the effort!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trains Limited
✨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Brush up on your customer service skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various customer scenarios, especially challenging queries. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to provide excellent support.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role
Take the time to understand the responsibilities of a Station Clerk. Review the job description and think about how your skills align with the tasks mentioned, like ticket sales and managing station finances. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Since this role involves flexible shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work evenings and weekends. Think about how you can manage your time effectively and demonstrate your flexibility to adapt to changing rosters.
✨Show Your Passion for People
As the face of Northern, it's crucial to convey your passion for helping others. Prepare to share stories that highlight your enthusiasm for customer service and teamwork. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a great fit for their friendly and supportive team.
