Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION:

Engineering

GRADE:

ML2/SB1

SALARY:

65,616 per annum

ROLE TYPE:

On Site

HOURS:

37 per week

Keep our fleet on track and shape the future of engineering performance at Northern

Are you a natural leader who thrives in high-pressure environments and knows how to get the best out of a team? Do you have a sharp operational mind and a passion for making things run like clockwork? If you're ready to step up and lead a critical function that keeps the North moving--this could be just the ticket.



We're on the lookout for a confident, capable and collaborative

Fleet Control Manager

to join our dynamic Fleet Planning team. In this role, you'll be the central force behind the daily performance of our fleet, ensuring that maintenance activity is well-planned, data-driven, and seamlessly delivered through our TrainCare Centres and Outstations.



You'll lead a team of Fleet Planners and Maintenance Control Engineers, drive consistency, and champion a maintenance planning philosophy that supports performance, quality, and safety.

Can you see yourself:

Taking charge?

Leading Northern's Engineering Control Room and keeping the fleet running smoothly day-to-day.

Supporting your people?

Managing, developing and motivating your team to deliver excellence and support service recovery.

Driving the plan?

Leading daily and weekly planning meetings, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to respond.

Making decisions under pressure?

Coordinating train movements and maintenance delivery in real time.

Embedding change?

Bringing a plan-led mindset to how we manage fleet maintenance and embedding it across our sites.

Improving how we work?

Using data, business systems and insights to support decisions, continuous improvement, and service reliability.

Are you:

An experienced people leader?

With strong operational or engineering management experience and a track record of leading in complex, reactive environments?

Technically switched on?

With a deep understanding of fleet or vehicle maintenance operations, supported by planning experience or qualifications?

A great communicator?

Able to collaborate with internal teams, influence others and stay calm under pressure?

Systems savvy?

Confident using data and digital tools like Maximo, LeadMind, or similar to support decision making?

Ready to step up?

With the confidence to deputise for the Fleet Planning & Performance Manager and support business-wide improvement?

What you'll need:

An engineering degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline Experience in operational planning or fleet maintenance delivery Knowledge of train maintenance control rooms, depot operations, and industry systems Strong leadership, coaching and line management experience The ability to analyse performance, spot trends and lead meaningful change A safety-first mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement
This is a role with real impact. You won't just be watching the plan--you'll be making sure it delivers. If you're ready to take the reins and lead from the front, we'd love to hear from you.

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.