At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep trains spotless and ready for thousands of passengers every day.
- 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: Flexible night shifts with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that ensures safe and clean journeys for everyone.
- Qualifications: Previous cleaning experience and a keen eye for detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25867 - 25867 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: TPO
SALARY: £26,400 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Onsite
HOURS: 35 per week
While most of the North is asleep, our trains are getting ready for a new day. The night cleaning team plays a vital role in making sure every service starts the morning clean, safe, and ready to go.
As a Night Train Cleaner at Northern, you’re part of the team that sets the standard before the first passengers step on board. Working behind the scenes, you’ll help keep our fleet in top condition, tackling everything from everyday cleaning to deeper, specialist work. If you take pride in a job done properly and like seeing the impact of your work first‑hand, nights could suit you down to the ground.
What You’ll Be Doing
Working as part of our night operation, you’ll help prepare trains for the next day’s service. Your work will include:
- Cleaning train interiors thoroughly, including tables, windows, seats, floors, and high-touch areas.
- Removing litter and emptying bins.
- Restocking toilet supplies such as soap and toilet paper.
- Carrying out full cleans or deep cleans, depending on your team, to ensure trains meet high hygiene standards.
- Using specialist cleaning equipment, once trained, to remove ingrained dirt across all areas of the train.
- Responding safely and promptly to more significant cleaning tasks, including biological spills such as blood or vomit.
- Working closely with colleagues to make sure trains are ready for service on time.
About You
Attention to detail, reliability, and pride in your work – that’s what matters most here. You’ll also be:
- Happy working nights as part of either a Full Clean or Deep Clean team, focusing on getting trains ready for the morning rush.
- Comfortable learning how to use specialist cleaning equipment and techniques.
- Confident working both outdoors and onboard trains, in all weather conditions.
- Physically able to climb onto a train from floor level and stay active throughout your shift – 10,000 steps in a night isn’t unusual.
- Flexible enough to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rolling shift pattern.
- Keen to learn. No previous cleaning experience is needed – full training is provided.
As this role requires driving our company van you must hold a full UK driving licence with a clean driving record, and be at least 21 years old for insurance purposes.
This is a role in a safety critical environment, which means you’ll need to meet Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) requirements. To apply, you must:
- Live within a 45-minute car journey of the station you’ll work from.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Pass a safety‑critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Have normal colour vision.
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: 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: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the brilliant work our people do 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’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, you’ll be offered an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers are 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.
Train Cleaner - Nights in Leeds 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 Train Cleaner - Nights in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Northern and their values. When you show up for an interview, drop in some knowledge about their mission and how you can contribute to keeping those trains spotless. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working as part of a team, being able to communicate clearly is key. Try role-playing common interview questions with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your cleaning experience! Be ready to share specific examples of when you’ve tackled tough cleaning challenges. Highlight your attention to detail and how you’ve maintained high standards in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about the role. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Train Cleaner - Nights in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Cleaning Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous cleaning roles you've had, especially in commercial or transport settings. We want to see how your experience aligns with our high standards for cleanliness!
Pay Attention to Detail:When writing your application, emphasise your keen eye for detail. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained cleanliness and hygiene in past jobs, as this is super important for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your skills and experiences, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Cleaning Standards
Familiarise yourself with the high cleaning standards expected in the rail industry. Be ready to discuss your previous cleaning experience and how you ensured cleanliness in past roles. Highlight specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since this role involves working closely with colleagues, think of examples that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare to talk about how you’ve contributed to a team environment in previous jobs, especially in cleaning or maintenance settings.
✨Be Ready for Physical Demands
This job can be physically demanding, so be prepared to discuss your fitness level and any relevant experience. You might want to mention how you manage physical tasks and stay motivated during long shifts, especially at night.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Think about times when you had to communicate important information to your team or resolve issues quickly. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly, as this will show your potential employer that you can work well within a team.