At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to ensure smooth train operations and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities and driving growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in rail travel while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced environments and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 65200 - 65200 € per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Control
SALARY: £65,200 (90% during training period)
ROLE TYPE: On site
LOCATION: Manchester
ROC HOURS: 42 hours
People rely on Northern to keep the North moving. Behind every journey is a team making quick decisions, solving problems in real time, and keeping customers informed when plans change. As part of our Control team, you’d be right at the centre of that operation. This is a role where no two shifts look the same. One moment you could be coordinating service recovery during disruption, the next you’ll be supporting your team through a complex operational challenge or working with Network Rail to keep services moving safely and efficiently. You’ll lead with confidence, bring calm under pressure, and help create an environment where people feel supported to make decisions and find solutions. As a Control Team Leader, you’ll play a key part in keeping train services running safely and reliably for the millions of people who depend on Northern every day.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll support the Duty Control Manager in leading a team responsible for managing Northern services in real time. That means balancing operational performance, customer impact, safety, and resource planning – often all at once.
- Some of the things you’ll be doing include:
- Leading and supporting Controllers through day-to-day operations and disruption
- Making tactical decisions to minimise delays and keep customers moving safely
- Working closely with Network Rail Control to negotiate service recovery and track access during disruption
- Managing fleet allocation in real time, ensuring trains are available for service and maintenance requirements are met
- Monitoring operational performance and leading real-time investigations into incidents and delays
- Coordinating alternative transport arrangements when required
- Coaching and mentoring colleagues, including supporting the development of new team members
- Encouraging a culture where people feel confident to think ahead, problem solve, and make informed decisions
About you
You’ll know how to bring people together, especially when the pressure is on. Calm, resilient and solutions-focused, you’ll be comfortable making quick decisions while keeping safety and customer experience front of mind. People management, problem solving, communication – that’s the trio you’ll bring to the team. Alongside those, you’ll also have the confidence to challenge where needed, influence others positively, and lead by example. We’re also looking for:
- Experience leading or managing people in a fast-paced operational environment
- Strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider Control team
- Confidence making decisions under pressure and adapting to changing situations
- Experience within logistics, transport, or operational planning would be beneficial
- A good understanding of the Northern network would be advantageous
- Knowledge of Passenger Information During Disruption (PIDD) principles would be helpful
- Flexibility to work shifts, including early starts, late finishes, and weekends
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.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
- 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, 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.
Control Team Leader in Manchester employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Manchester. With benefits like unlimited free travel for you and your family, a generous pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we are committed to the growth and well-being of our employees. Join us in a culture that values collaboration, recognition, and inclusivity, where every team member plays a vital role in keeping the North moving safely and efficiently.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Team Leader in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Northern. You never know who might help you land that Control Team Leader role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've led a team under pressure or solved complex problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show off your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the rail industry! Research Northern's values and recent projects, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenges of the Control Team Leader role.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Team Leader in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have in leading teams or managing people. We want to see how you've brought people together in high-pressure situations, just like you'll need to do as a Control Team Leader.
Be Customer-Focused:Since customer experience is key in this role, share examples of how you've prioritised customer needs in your previous jobs. We love seeing candidates who understand the importance of keeping customers informed and safe during disruptions.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Northern!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know the Northern Network
Familiarise yourself with the Northern network and its operations. Understanding the routes, key stations, and common disruptions will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview. This shows that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the company’s mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific situations where you had to make quick decisions under pressure. Highlight your ability to support and mentor others, as this is crucial for the Control Team Leader role.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss past experiences where you tackled operational challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you convey your thought process and how you approach problem-solving effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex scenarios. Strong communication skills are essential for this role, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your delivery.
