At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customer experience initiatives, turning insights into action and driving satisfaction.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, enhancing rail travel for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, enhanced family benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on customer experiences while shaping the future of rail travel.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in customer experience with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Customer & Commercial
SALARY: Competitive / Grade: Executive
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Manchester / York/Leeds
HOURS: 37 per week
What you’ll be doing
You’ll put customers at the heart of how Northern works, you’ll turn customer insight into action, set clear performance measures and build the frameworks, governance and improvement plans that help us grow satisfaction, trust and advocacy.
- Own our customer insight capability, giving the business a clear Voice of the Customer and turning insight into practical, prioritised improvements.
- Set the measures and standards that keep us focused on customer outcomes, using performance data, insight and strong business partnerships to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Champion customer-led service design, using journey mapping, behavioural insight and co-creation to improve existing experiences and shape new services.
- Develop and maintain service quality frameworks across stations and onboard, making sure we meet industry standards while continually raising the bar.
- Lead the development and delivery of our Accessible Travel Policy, keeping us compliant while making journeys more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
- Lead our customer contact strategy and Customer Experience Centre, improving support across every channel through automation, self-service and digital innovation.
You’ll reduce customer effort while improving satisfaction, resolution and efficiency.
- Lead our customer product function, setting a digital product strategy and roadmap that uses technology, innovation and data to improve experiences, increase digital adoption and support wider transformation.
- Shape our customer communications strategy with Marketing and Communications, helping build trust and confidence in Northern across every channel.
- Build strong relationships with regulators and industry partners, including the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Transport Focus, Mayoral Strategic Authorities, the Institute of Customer Service, other train operators and Network Rail.
You’ll use insight and benchmarking to help Northern perform at its best.
- Own our customer-related regulatory obligations, including relevant ORR licence conditions and Customer Service Agreement requirements, making sure we have the right governance, compliance and assurance in place.
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team, creating a culture where people take ownership, make improvements and put customers first.
- Manage budgets, contracts, suppliers and investment plans, making sure our resources are focused on the things that matter most to customers and the business.
Success will be visible in the numbers, but it won’t stop there.
You’ll help deliver continuous improvement in our Northern Customer Experience Survey (NCES) and Rail Customer Experience Survey RCXS) results, alongside the projects, commitments and external recognition that demonstrate Northern is raising the bar for customer service.
About you
You’ll be an experienced customer experience leader who knows how to turn a clear vision into meaningful change in a complex, real-time environment.
You’ll bring
- Significant senior leadership -level customer experience expertise, form a large, complex organization, ideally in a retail, transport or regulated environment.
- A strong track record of driving change and growth by improving customer experience and satisfaction through insight, strategy and practical delivery.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn customer data and feedback into clear priorities and decisions.
- Significant team leadership and development experience with robust stakeholder engagement skills
- The communication skills and credibility to explain a customer vision in a way that gets people behind it, from frontline colleagues to senior stakeholders.
- The emotional intelligence to build trust, influence others and navigate a complex organisation with confidence.
- Experience owning budgets, contracts and major customer improvement programmes.
- Excellent communication skills, tenacity and resilience with passion for influencing real change.
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 2,500 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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 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.
Northern reserves the right to close this advertisement early if application volumes become exceptionally high.
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Head of Customer Experience in Manchester employer: Northern
Northern trains is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work culture in the heart of Manchester. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, opportunities for professional growth, and a strong emphasis on teamwork, making it an ideal environment for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced rail control setting. With a commitment to safety and customer service, Northern trains ensures that every team member plays a vital role in delivering exceptional travel experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Customer Experience in Manchester
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Northern. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Northern before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Customer Experience in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Northern:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Northern specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Northern!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
