Job Description

Shift Production Delivery Manager - Newton Heath

Team:

Engineering

Reports to:

Depot Production Manager - Newton Heath

Salary:

59,910

Location:

Newton Heath

Working pattern:

Shift-based

Safety critical:

Yes

Introduction

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on - your work keeps that promise on track. As part of our team at Northern, you'd lead the day-to-day delivery of maintenance at our Newton Heath depot so every train leaves safe, clean and fully functional for our customers.


You'll turn a complex production plan into smooth, safe delivery. That means guiding Production and Movements teams, balancing people, materials and facilities, and working closely with planning colleagues and other depots to hit availability, quality and safety targets every shift.

What you'll be doing

Lead and direct Production, Workshops, Movements and Wheel Lathe teams - setting priorities, allocating work and keeping everyone focused on safe, right-first-time delivery. Collaborate with Planning Managers at weekly planning to build and communicate a realistic, challenging and deliverable production plan across depots - aiming for a streamlined, one-stop approach to maintenance. Monitor resources in real time - people, materials and facilities - and adjust plans to keep work flowing. Ensure Information Centre boards are accurate and used well. Attend daily production meetings. Make sure every unit meets defined technical and safety standards on arrival and release, and that colleagues understand and apply those standards. Keep the depot safe for work - meet all Health, Safety and Environmental requirements, investigate accidents and incidents and deliver corrective actions. Maintain compliance with ISO standards and RISAS requirements - sustaining certification and embedding quality, safety and environmental management systems. Control all movements of traction and rolling stock within depot limits in line with local procedures. Develop, present and act on live KPI data - planned and unplanned maintenance, A and B exams, component renewals, adherence to targets and post-release performance - driving continuous improvement. Lead people well - recruit, motivate, train and develop colleagues. Manage attendance and performance fairly, tackle issues promptly and recognise excellence. Provide clear reports to Engineering leadership. Deputise for the Depot Production Manager when needed. Prepare for audits and close actions on time. Uphold Northern's Drug and Alcohol policy, stop any unsafe work and quarantine non-conforming materials. Deliver key operational controls - depot isolations, validation of job cards, in-process and final inspections, progress reporting and compliance with local arrangements, Railway Group Standards and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Manage rosters, manning levels and annual leave to match Traincare Centre requirements. Provide technical and managerial on-call support for incidents where competent.

About you

Engineering leadership experience in rail vehicle maintenance and depot production - comfortable leading multi-skilled teams in a live operational environment. HNC or HND in Engineering (or equivalent) - essential. NEBOSH Certificate - or actively working towards it - essential. Strong planning and problem-solving skills - you can balance short-term disruptions with the long-term health of the fleet. Confident with safety, quality and technical audits, KPIs and continuous improvement. Clear, calm communicator with high levels of interpersonal skill - able to motivate, coach and hold people to account fairly. Comfortable with shift work and an on-call rota for incident support. Desirable: a managerial qualification such as ILM Level 3.

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 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.


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.