Dispatcher

Northern; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel

Generous pension scheme

Family benefits

Cycle to work

Electric car scheme

Exclusive discounts

Employee assistance programme

Training & career development

Recognition

Job summary

Northern is seeking a Train Dispatcher at Manchester Oxford Road to ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains. You will manage dispatch, coordinate with crews and control rooms, and respond swiftly to disruptions while upholding safety standards.

The role requires calm under pressure, precise decision-making, and strong communication. A commitment to flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, is essential for this on-site position.

Qualifications

• Clear communication and sound decision-making during rail operations.
• Ability to remain calm, focused and accurate in a fast-paced environment.
• Good awareness of safety procedures and regulations (training provided).
• Flexibility to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch trains safely and punctually from station platforms.
• Communicate clearly with train crews, station staff, and control rooms.
• Monitor train movements and respond quickly to disruptions or changes.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed at all times.
• Provide excellent customer service and information during delays.

Skills

Communication

Decision making

Calm under pressure

Safety awareness

Shift work flexibility

Rail industry exposure

Job description

Job Title: Train Dispatcher

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Customer & Commercial - Stations

Grade ROLE TYPE: RO2s

LOCATION: Manchester Oxford Road

HOURS: Full Time

Take control of the platform – and your career

Join us as a Train Dispatcher and play a vital role in the safe and efficient movement of trains across the network. Are you calm under pressure, quick-thinking, and ready to take command of critical moments?

Does this sound like you?

What you’ll be doing:

• Dispatching trains safely and punctually from station platforms
• Communicating clearly with train crews, station staff, and control rooms
• Monitoring train movements and responding quickly to disruptions or changes
• Ensuring safety protocols are followed at all times
• Delivering excellent customer service and information, especially during delays

About you :

• Strong communication and decision-making skills
• Ability to stay calm, focused, and accurate in a fast-paced environment
• Good awareness of safety procedures and regulations (training provided)
• Flexibility to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays Previous rail, transport, or safety-critical experience is a bonus – but not essential
• All Our Offers are subject to passing a medical

What’s in it for you?

• 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.