At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our stores organised and stocked to support engineers in maintaining trains.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, exclusive discounts, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: A welcoming workplace that values diversity and offers career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that ensures trains are safe and reliable.
- Qualifications: Good organisational skills and a proactive mindset; experience in logistics is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 26000 £ per year.
Keeping trains moving starts with the right parts in the right place.
When a train arrives for maintenance, every minute counts. Engineers need the right tools, components and equipment exactly when they're needed, and that's where you come in.
As part of our Engineering team at Heaton Train Care Centre, you'll keep our stores operation running smoothly, making sure materials are available, stock is accurate and everything is where it should be.
Your work will help our engineers spend less time searching for parts and more time doing what they do best – keeping our trains safe, reliable and ready for service.
It's a practical role where no two days are quite the same.
Whether you're receiving deliveries, operating a forklift, carrying out stock checks or supporting colleagues across the depot, you'll play an important part in keeping the North moving.
What you'll be doing
You’ll be at the heart of our engineering operation, making sure our stores are organised, well stocked and ready to support the team. You'll:
- Receive, store and issue engineering materials, examination kits, specialist tooling and calibrated equipment.
- Keep inventory records accurate using SAP.
- Carry out regular stock counts and investigate any discrepancies.
- Deliver and replenish line‑side materials so engineers have what they need to keep working.
- Operate a forklift truck and other material handling equipment safely. If you don't already have a forklift licence, we'll provide the training.
- Store materials in line with Health and Safety requirements.
- Work closely with engineering colleagues to provide a reliable, customer‑focused stores service.
About you
Organisation, teamwork and attention to detail – they're three things you'll bring to this role.
You’ll enjoy working in a busy environment, take pride in keeping things organised and understand that the small details make a big difference.
- You'll also have
- Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- Confidence building positive working relationships with colleagues across the depot.
- A proactive approach and a willingness to solve problems.
- A customer‑focused mindset with a passion for supporting others.
- Experience in stores, warehousing or logistics would be beneficial, but it's not essential.
- As this is a safety‑critical role, you’ll also need to
- Live within a 45‑minute car journey of Heaton Train Care Centre.
- Be at least 18 years old when you apply.
- Pass a safety‑critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Meet the required colour vision standard.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependants 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 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 Disclosure and Barring Service (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.
Please note that Northern reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.
If you miss out this time, keep an eye on our careers page – we’re always looking for great people to join our team.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stores Assistant
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Northern Trains Limited and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Northern Trains Limited!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Northern Trains Limited keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Stores Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Northern Trains Limited:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Northern Trains Limited. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trains Limited
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Northern Trains Limited.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Northern Trains Limited that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Northern Trains Limited. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
