At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to ensure trains run safely and on time across West and North Yorkshire.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, enhanced family benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team where everyone feels welcome and valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rail travel while shaping the future of operations.
- Qualifications: Strong railway operations experience and proven leadership in high-pressure environments.
The predicted salary is between 31162 - 38086 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations
SALARY: £98,420
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION: Leeds
HOURS: 37
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on and stay for the chance to make a real difference to communities across the North. As Director of Service Delivery, you'll play a key role in making sure those journeys run smoothly, safely, and on time every single day. You’ll be right in the thick of it, leading teams, solving problems, and collaborating with partners inside and outside of Northern. This role is about more than just keeping the wheels turning. It’s about creating an environment where people feel motivated, supported, and inspired to deliver their very best.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading, inspiring and motivating operational teams to deliver on our 90/2 performance target, building a collaborative, high-performing culture.
- Taking accountability for on-the-day operational delivery throughout West and North Yorkshire making sure our services run safely and reliably.
- Working closely with other departments, including Engineering and Operational Readiness, and with partners like Network Rail, to keep things on track.
- Acting decisively in the moment while also contributing to longer-term improvement initiatives.
- Using insights and data to drive proactive decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Sharing best practice and aligning ways of working with your fellow Directors of Service Delivery across Northern.
The purpose of the job:
At its heart, this role is all about making sure our trains run safely, reliably, and on time - every single day. As Director of Service Delivery, you’ll take the lead in managing the on-the-day operation of our services, ensuring everything is in place to meet performance targets and keep our customers moving. A big part of this is about people. You’ll be responsible for the leadership, performance, development, and wellbeing of our train crew, as well as the Operations Managers who lead frontline teams. By creating the right environment, you’ll help others succeed, supporting your people to deliver a service that our customers can rely on and feel proud of. But this isn't just about the here and now. You’ll be looking ahead too, spotting opportunities to improve the way we work, identifying capability gaps, and driving change that raises standards across the board. You’ll work closely with colleagues in Engineering, Operational Readiness, and Business Performance, using data, insights, and your own experience to make proactive decisions that keep services running smoothly. You’ll also represent Northern in the wider rail community, collaborating with other Train Operating Companies (TOCs), Network Rail, and local partners to align plans, tackle challenges, and improve performance beyond our own network. Ultimately, your role is to bring it all together - people, process, and performance, ensuring we deliver a safe, seamless, and high-quality service today, while shaping the future of how we operate for tomorrow.
About you:
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a blend of leadership, sharp thinking, and speed. You bring people with you, leading with purpose, listening when it counts, and setting the tone from the front. From the control room to the boardroom, you’re comfortable at every level and know how to connect the dots to keep things moving in the right direction. You spot what others miss. Whether it’s a small detail or the first sign of something bigger, you’ve got an instinct for noticing when something’s not quite right and the drive to step in and fix it. And when the situation changes, you change with it. You know when to pause, when to act, and how to switch from strategy to action without missing a beat. To thrive here, you’ll need strong railway operations experience, solid knowledge of railway infrastructure, geography, rules and regulations, and a proven track record of leading teams in high-pressure environments. Experience in crisis management, driving change, and working across multiple stakeholders will set you up for success.
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: 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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and we have recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. 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.
Director of Service Delivery - West and North Yorkshire (6 month fixed term) in Leeds employer: Northern
Northern is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the vibrant cities of York and Manchester. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance customer journeys. Our inclusive culture promotes innovation and teamwork, ensuring that every team member's voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Service Delivery - West and North Yorkshire (6 month fixed term) in Leeds
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In transportation and logistics, hands-on experience is golden. If you're looking for a temporary position, don't just sit back; consider volunteering at local logistics companies or joining community transport initiatives. It’s a great way to gain industry insight and showcase your commitment!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring
Temporary roles in logistics often peak during busy seasons, like holidays or sales events. Keep an eye out for those hiring windows and brush up on your local networks. Joining industry groups on social media or attending local job fairs can be your golden ticket to snagging a role!
✨Show You’re Flexibly Awesome
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability, so make sure you highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills in every discussion. When chatting with recruiters or at interviews, be ready to give examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted in past roles—this will help you stand out among other candidates.
✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at Northern! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Service Delivery - West and North Yorkshire (6 month fixed term) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.
