Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate train delays, ensuring accurate reporting and helping to prevent future issues.
- Company: Northern is a leading train operator dedicated to connecting communities and enhancing rail travel.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension schemes, exclusive discounts, and tailored career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team improving customer experience while making a positive environmental impact.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of train operations are essential.
- Other info: This entry-level role offers a supportive environment with a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Delay Attribution Controller role at Northern
Introduction
Trains run on time because people like you make sure the details are right. As a Delay Attribution Controller, you’ll be at the heart of our real-time performance investigations – piecing together the story of every delay, making sure responsibility is correctly attributed, and helping us spot patterns so we can prevent problems before they happen.
Location: York
Salary: ÂŁ56,563.00 per annum
Department: Performance and Planning
What You’ll Be Doing
- Investigating performance incidents on day one, collecting evidence and ensuring accurate attribution in the TRUST system (Train Running System TOPS).
- Negotiating with Network Rail Control to agree causes of delays, raising disputes where needed.
- Providing specialist advice on performance regimes to our Control and Operations teams.
- Supporting Control during major disruption to manage recovery and minimise impact on customers.
- Monitoring delay reports, ensuring data is correct and complete.
- Analysing recurring causes of delay and recommending action plans.
- Producing daily and ad-hoc performance reports.
- Mentoring colleagues and delivering small projects when needed.
About You
This is a role for someone with keen attention to detail and the ability to think logically under pressure. Delay Attribution Controllers follow clear, established guidance – there’s no room for improvisation or “off-script” thinking here, so if you thrive on working to exact standards, you’ll fit right in.
- A solid understanding of passenger train operations, incident management, and the rules and regulations that keep the railway safe.
- Good knowledge of our network’s geography and infrastructure.
- Experience with performance regimes and delay attribution processes.
- The ability to work quickly and logically in high-pressure situations.
- Negotiation skills, patience, and a knack for finding common ground.
- Good IT skills, including experience with industry systems.
You’ll demonstrate these key qualities every day
- Resilience – staying calm and focused under pressure.
- Accountability – owning your work and decisions.
- Honesty – being clear, fair and transparent.
- Team worker – collaborating with colleagues across Northern and beyond.
- Ability to work on your own initiative – stepping in and taking action without prompting.
If you also understand crew conditions of service, have commercial awareness, and know the realities faced by frontline teams, you’ll be set up for success in this role.
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 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: 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: Northern Perks for shopping and wellbeing.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: Tailored training and opportunities for recognised qualifications, plus career pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.
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 thousands of trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
A place for everyone: The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. 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. No matter your background, there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Senioriy level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries
- Rail Transportation
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Northern by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Controller” roles.
Long Marston, England, United Kingdom — 2 weeks ago
Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom — 2 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Delay Attribution Controller employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Delay Attribution Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the TRUST system and other industry-specific software. Understanding how these systems work will give you a significant edge during interviews, as you'll be able to discuss your experience and knowledge confidently.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since the role involves negotiating with Network Rail Control, practice scenarios where you need to find common ground and resolve disputes effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain insights into the geography and infrastructure of the railway network. Being knowledgeable about the routes and key locations will help you demonstrate your understanding of passenger train operations during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've handled high-pressure situations in the past. The ability to stay calm and focused is crucial for this role, so having specific instances ready to share will showcase your resilience.
We think you need these skills to ace Delay Attribution Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Delay Attribution Controller. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as investigating performance incidents and negotiating with Network Rail Control.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that aligns with the requirements of the role. Emphasise your attention to detail, logical thinking under pressure, and any previous experience with performance regimes or delay attribution processes.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills, resilience, and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for this position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your information is clear and concise, as clarity is essential in this role where attention to detail is paramount.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Delay Attribution Controller. Understand the TRUST system and be ready to discuss how you would investigate performance incidents and ensure accurate attribution.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires keen attention to detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where your meticulousness made a difference. Highlight situations where you successfully managed data accuracy or resolved discrepancies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your negotiation experience, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of examples where you had to find common ground with stakeholders, particularly in relation to delay causes.
✨Exhibit Teamwork and Initiative
This role involves collaboration with various teams. Share instances where you worked effectively within a team and also took the initiative to solve problems independently, showcasing your ability to balance both.