Engineering Supervisor - Armed Forces

Overview

Safety Critical Role

We keep the railway moving 24/7, expected shifts would be days, nights, weekend working. Keeping trains moving takes more than engineering know‑how – it takes coordination, clear thinking, and a team that trusts each other to get the job done right. At Shipley TrainCare Centre, you’d be right at the centre of that.

Engineering – Shipley TrainCare Centre

Reports to: Shift Production Manager

Salary: £64,370 per annum

If you’re transitioning from the armed forces, this role will feel familiar. As part of our engineering team, you’ll lead from the front—coordinating work on shift, supporting your people, and ensuring every train leaves the depot safe, reliable, and fully ready for service. Working closely with the Shift Production Manager, you’ll help deliver the daily plan, maintain operational standards, and keep the depot moving in a safety‑critical environment. This is a role where your leadership, judgement, and experience of disciplined, structured operations make a real difference—every shift.

Be Part of Something New

Shipley TrainCare Centre is a brand‑new facility, giving you the opportunity to help build the standards, culture and ways of working from the very start. In this role, you’ll support the day to day running of the facility while helping to create a professional, safe and high performing team environment. This means:

• Supporting the delivery of clear standards and expectations from day one
• Leading by example to build the right behaviours and ways of working
• Embedding safety, quality and continuous improvement into everything we do
• Promoting a positive, people focused culture where everyone feels supported to do their best

Our ambition is clear: for Shipley to become a benchmark TrainCare Centre, recognised for engineering excellence, operational safety and a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to build long‑term careers.

Your Future, Built Here

At Northern, we’re committed to developing our workforce, and that commitment is amplified at Shipley. As we grow this new facility, we’re also growing the skills, capabilities and progression pathways of the people who join us. Whether your ambition is technical, leadership or specialist expertise, Shipley offers the chance to build a long, rewarding future in a modern, forward‑thinking engineering environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be the link between planning and delivery – turning priorities into action on the depot floor. That means:

• Coordinating and supervising teams working on the maintenance, repair, cleaning and servicing of trains
• Planning and allocating work to meet targets and keep operations running smoothly
• Making sure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standards
• Acting as the designated person for Depot Protection, overhead line isolations and all yard movements, taking on the Person in Charge (PIC) role when required
• Deputising for the Shift Production Manager when needed, supporting the safe and effective running of the shift
• Monitoring performance and continuously improving processes and ways of working
• Working closely with other Team Leaders and managers to prioritise workload and share best practice
• Ensuring the right tools, materials and resources are available when needed
• Keeping accurate records and making sure documentation is completed correctly
• Leading daily briefings and keeping your teams informed, safe and aligned
• Carrying out all reasonable requests from line manager

Alongside the operational side, you’ll also support the people behind the work:

• Coaching, developing and reviewing team members
• Co-ordinating attendance, rosters and leave
• Handling performance, absence and conduct matters where needed
• Identifying training needs and helping your team grow
• Promoting a positive, inclusive and people focused culture where everyone feels supported and able to perform at their best

About You

You know how to keep things moving – whether that’s trains, tasks or people. You bring a balance of technical understanding and leadership, and you’re comfortable taking responsibility in a safety‑critical environment. Here’s what you’ll bring:

• Experience in maintenance, repair or overhaul of heavy equipment or machinery
• A recognised apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 in Engineering or equivalent military engineering qualifications
• Confidence in leading a team and organising work in a fast‑paced setting
• Strong communication skills – clear, calm and practical
• The ability to plan ahead, solve problems and make decisions on the spot
• A solid understanding of safety standards and procedures, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
• Good working knowledge of depot systems and processes, or the willingness to learn quickly
• A proactive approach to improving how things are done
• An IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) certificate or D32 Assessor qualification would be useful – if you don’t have them yet, you’ll be supported to achieve them.

Most importantly, you take safety seriously, look out for others, and lead in a way that builds trust and accountability across your team.

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. 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.