Driver Team Manager

Northern; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel

Generous pension

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Northern Perks

Training & career development

Recognition

Job summary

Northern is seeking a Driver Team Manager to lead a team of train drivers at Blackpool, ensuring safe, reliable services and strong performance. You will drive operational delivery, coach staff, and uphold safety standards while collaborating across departments. A TDLCR licence and driver competence are required for success.

This safety-critical role offers on-site working with competitive pay and comprehensive employee benefits, including progression opportunities within our rail operations.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and people-management experience.
• Experience in safety-critical environments.
• Strong communication and coaching skills.
• Full driving licence and responsible for driver-related tasks.
• Willingness to work shift patterns including weekends, evenings and on-call.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting a team of drivers to deliver safe and reliable train services.
• Managing day-to-day operational performance and ensuring timely delivery of services.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with all safety standards.
• Coaching, developing, and motivating drivers to achieve high performance and customer service standards.
• Working collaboratively with other departments to maintain smooth and efficient operations.
• Handling people management responsibilities including performance reviews, attendance, and welfare.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Safety

Operations

Communication

Flexibility

Job description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations Management
SALARY: £72,430 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On site
LOCATION: Blackpool
HOURS: 37 per week

Driver Team Manager

We’re looking for a motivated leader to join us as a Driver Team Manager at Blackpool.

In this exciting and challenging role, you’ll be part of a team of managers who lead and support all driver-based traincrew, covering operational delivery, performance, safety and people management.

You’ll promote a positive safety culture while motivating your team to deliver excellent service for our customers and keep the railway moving.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and supporting a team of drivers to deliver safe and reliable train services.
• Managing day-to-day operational performance and ensuring timely delivery of services.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with all safety standards.
• Coaching, developing, and motivating drivers to achieve high performance and customer service standards.
• Working collaboratively with other departments to maintain smooth and efficient operations.
• Handling people management responsibilities including performance reviews, attendance, and welfare.

About you

To apply, you’ll need to hold a current TDLCR licence and have at least 4 year's train driver competence.

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strong people skills – influence, motivate, empathise and act fairly.
• Management skills – analyse information, plan effectively, investigate issues, and lead with confidence.
• Communication skills – clear in writing and face-to-face.
• A full driving licence.
• Flexibility – able to work shift patterns including weekends, evenings and “on-call”.
• A willingness to work towards assessor qualifications and role-specific competencies.

This is a safety-critical role, so you’ll also need to pass a medical assessment.

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 what you can look forward to:

• Free travel – unlimited on Northern services for you and your family, plus up to 75% discount on other UK and European networks.
• Generous pension – we top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced family leave – 9 months full pay for maternity leave, 2 weeks full pay for paternity.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – save up to 42% on a bike.
• Electric Car Scheme – lease a brand-new EV or hybrid.
• Northern Perks – discounts on shopping, wellbeing and more.
• Training & career development – tailored training, recognised qualifications and clear career pathways.
• Recognition – our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks awards celebrate everyday brilliance.

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 2,650 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, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. 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.