At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to ensure smooth train operations and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while supporting your team.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Control
People rely on Northern to keep the North moving. Behind every journey is a team making quick decisions, solving problems in real time, and keeping customers informed when plans change. As part of our Control team, you’d be right at the centre of that operation.
This is a role where no two shifts look the same. One moment you could be coordinating service recovery during disruption, the next you’ll be supporting your team through a complex operational challenge or working with Network Rail to keep services moving safely and efficiently. You’ll lead with confidence, bring calm under pressure, and help create an environment where people feel supported to make decisions and find solutions.
As a Control Team Leader, you’ll play a key part in keeping train services running safely and reliably for the millions of people who depend on Northern every day.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll support the Duty Control Manager in leading a team responsible for managing Northern services in real time. That means balancing operational performance, customer impact, safety, and resource planning – often all at once.
- Leading and supporting Controllers through day-to-day operations and disruption.
- Making tactical decisions to minimise delays and keep customers moving safely.
- Working closely with Network Rail Control to negotiate service recovery and track access during disruption.
- Managing fleet allocation in real time, ensuring trains are available for service and maintenance requirements are met.
- Monitoring operational performance and leading real-time investigations into incidents and delays.
- Coordinating alternative transport arrangements when required.
- Coaching and mentoring colleagues, including supporting the development of new team members.
- Encouraging a culture where people feel confident to think ahead, problem solve, and make informed decisions.
About you
You’ll know how to bring people together, especially when the pressure is on. Calm, resilient and solutions-focused, you’ll be comfortable making quick decisions while keeping safety and customer experience front of mind. People management, problem solving, communication – that’s the trio you’ll bring to the team. Alongside those, you’ll also have the confidence to challenge where needed, influence others positively, and lead by example.
We’re also looking for
- Experience leading or managing people in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider Control team.
- Confidence making decisions under pressure and adapting to changing situations.
- Experience within logistics, transport, or operational planning would be beneficial.
- A good understanding of the Northern network would be advantageous.
- Knowledge of Passenger Information During Disruption (PIDD) principles would be helpful.
- Flexibility to work shifts, including early starts, late finishes, and weekends.
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.
A place for everyone
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.
Location: Manchester Rail Operating Centre
Control Team Leader in Manchester employer: Northern Trains Limited
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. Our commitment to employee well-being is evident through our generous benefits, including unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities that foster career growth. Join us in Manchester, where you'll be part of a supportive team dedicated to keeping the North moving safely and efficiently, while enjoying a culture that values diversity and recognises your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Team Leader in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Northern. You never know who might help you land that Control Team Leader role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've led a team under pressure or solved complex problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show off your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, express why you want to be part of the Control team at Northern. Talk about your understanding of the network and how you can contribute to keeping services running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a positive impression. It shows you're keen and professional, which is exactly what they’re looking for in a Control Team Leader.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Team Leader in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Control Team Leader role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams in fast-paced environments. Share specific examples of how you’ve supported your team through challenges and made quick decisions under pressure.
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key for this role. Make sure your application is clear and concise, demonstrating your ability to convey information effectively – just like you would in a real-time operational setting.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trains Limited
✨Know the Northern Network
Familiarise yourself with the Northern network and its operations. Understanding the routes, key stations, and common disruptions will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview, showing that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced environment. Highlight specific situations where you made quick decisions under pressure, as this role requires calmness and confidence when coordinating service recovery.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving. Think of scenarios where you had to think on your feet and make tactical decisions to minimise delays. This will illustrate your ability to keep customers moving safely and efficiently.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice clear and concise communication. As a Control Team Leader, you'll need to convey information effectively to your team and stakeholders. Prepare to demonstrate your communication style and how you ensure everyone is informed during disruptions.
