At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure trains are safe, clean, and ready to go at our TrainCare Centre.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, exclusive discounts, and tailored training.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team where everyone feels they belong.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on, safety-critical role with career growth.
- Qualifications: Safety-conscious, methodical, and confident; experience in rail is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 38120 - 38120 £ per year.
Depot Support Operative
£38,120.00 per annum
35 hours per week - On site
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every reliable journey is a depot team making sure each train is safe, clean and ready to go.
As part of our Engineering team, you'd be at the heart of our Train Care Centre, helping it run safely and efficiently.
You'll coordinate essential safety processes, support the smooth movement of trains around the depot and make sure everything is set up for the next day's service.
It's hands-on, safety-critical work where what you do really matters - not just to colleagues, but to the communities we connect every day.
What you'll be doing
You'll play a key role in keeping depot operations safe, organised and on track. That includes:
- Setting up and managing Safe Systems of Work so tasks are carried out safely and correctly
- Acting as the designated person on duty, making sure standard operating procedures are followed
- Supporting the safe movement of trains within the depot
- Overseeing fuelling, water replenishment and Controlled Emission Toilet, known as CET, duties
- Applying and removing the depot shed road protection system
- Leading on nose-end cleaning to maintain safety and presentation standards
- Working closely with engineering colleagues to keep everything running smoothly
This is shift-based work in a busy environment where no two days look the same.
About you
Methodical, safety-conscious and confident taking responsibility - that's the foundation of this role.
You'll bring
- A strong understanding of working safely in a controlled environment
- The confidence to take ownership when you're the designated person on duty
- The ability to work independently and use your initiative
- A calm, organised approach in a fast-paced setting
Experience in rail or depot operations would be helpful, but it isn't essential.
Full training will be provided, so what matters most is your attitude, focus and willingness to learn.
Because this role is safety critical and regulated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board, known as RSSB, you must:
- Live within a 45-minute car journey of the Train Care Centre
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Be able to pass a safety critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening
- Have no defective colour vision
If these criteria aren't met, applications can't be progressed.
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 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 2,500 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 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 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.
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Depot Support Operative employer: Northern
Northern is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for Night Train Cleaners in Manchester to enjoy unlimited free travel and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth. With tailored training programmes and a generous pension scheme, we foster an environment where every team member can thrive and develop their skills while contributing to the cleanliness and readiness of our trains.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Support Operative
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Northern.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Northern. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Depot Support Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Northern, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Northern and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Northern. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Northern.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Northern.
