Traincrew Diagram Manager in Manchester

At Northern Trains, great planning keeps our railway moving. If you enjoy problem‑solving, working with complex schedules, and making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time, this could be the role for you. We are looking for a Traincrew Diagram Manager to help build and maintain robust, efficient plans for our traincrew across Northern services. From producing long‑term diagrams to responding to operational changes, you’ll play a key role in ensuring we deliver a reliable service for our customers every day.

In this role you will:

• Produce and develop WTT and Special Traffic traincrew diagrams in line with safety standards and planning deadlines.
• Prepare documentation for staff consultation on Working Timetable changes.
• Assess diagram changes during the pre‑planning stage, ensuring updates meet traincrew agreements.
• Work closely with Service Planning and Resource Planning teams to meet WTT and STP deadlines.
• Generate schedule cards for both short‑term and long‑term traincrew diagrams.
• Manage and prioritise workload to meet key deadlines during both busy and quieter planning periods.
• Apply problem‑solving techniques to reduce unnecessary “pass rides” and taxi movements, improving efficiency and making the best use of available resources.
• Investigate operational incidents and provide clear reports on findings.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with a strong operational railway background and a solid understanding of traincrew planning. While not essential for the role, the following would make a great addition to your application:

• In‑depth knowledge of traincrew agreements.
• Strong understanding of railway geography, including routes, infrastructure, and maintenance depots.
• Experience managing train schedules and resources to optimise performance and minimise delays.

You’ll also bring:

• Strong numeracy, analytical and IT skills.
• Excellent communication skills with a customer‑focused mindset.
• The ability to make decisions under pressure and prioritise effectively.
• Confidence working to tight deadlines.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a 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.

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.