Engineering Manager

Northern; Leeds; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Travel

Generous Pension Scheme

Enhanced Family Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Exclusive Discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and Career Development

Northern Lights / Sparks Awards

Job summary

Northern is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the Technical team at the TrainCare Centre, owning the safety, reliability and maintainability of fleets in your area. You will bring together technical expertise, people leadership and strategic thinking to tackle complex engineering challenges and improve train performance.

You’ll collaborate with senior colleagues, suppliers and industry partners to drive improvements, develop business cases and ensure long-term value while supporting the

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineers in a technical environment.
• Railway industry experience preferred.
• Ability to develop business cases and cost-benefit analyses.
• Strong data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing technical team of engineers.
• Ensure fleet safety, reliability and maintainability.
• Lead complex technical investigations and safety reporting.
• Shape engineering strategy with senior colleagues.
• Analyze fleet performance and failure trends to drive improvements.
• Develop business cases for train modifications and investments.
• Build relationships with suppliers, partners and internal teams.
• Oversee asset configuration and provide technical validation.

Skills

Team leadership

Engineering knowledge

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Job description

Introduction

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every reliable service is a team of engineering experts making sure our trains are safe, dependable and ready to keep the North moving.

Engineering Manager (TrainCare Centre)

Grade: ML2 SB1

Salary: £53,789 - £66,624

Role Type: On Site

Location: Leeds/ Hull

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every reliable service is a team of engineering experts making sure our trains are safe, dependable and ready to keep the North moving.

As Engineering Manager, you'll play a big part in making that happen. Leading the Technical team at our TrainCare Centre (TCC), you'll take ownership of the safety, reliability and maintainability of the fleets in your area. You'll bring together technical expertise, people leadership and strategic thinking to tackle complex engineering challenges, improve train performance and make sure we're always looking for a better way of doing things.

It's a role where your decisions have a real impact – not just on the trains we run, but on the colleagues who maintain them and the customers who rely on them every day.

What You'll Be Doing

You’ll be the technical lead for your fleets, giving colleagues the direction, confidence and expertise they need to deliver safe, reliable and high-performing trains.

• Lead and develop your team: Manage and support a talented group of Engineers, building their skills, developing future talent and creating a high-performing technical team.
• Keep our trains safe and reliable: Take accountability for fleet safety, reliability and maintainability, making sure technical risks are properly understood and managed.
• Get to the root of problems: Lead complex technical investigations, including safety-related failures and National Incident Reports, identifying trends and putting effective improvements in place.
• Shape our engineering strategy: Work with senior engineering and production colleagues to develop improvement plans, set performance measures and keep our fleets on track against business targets.
• Turn data into action: Analyse fleet performance and failure trends to identify where we can improve maintenance quality, reliability and overall performance.
• Make improvements happen: Develop business cases and cost-benefit assessments for train modifications, helping secure the investment needed to make things better.
• Build strong relationships: Work with colleagues across Northern, suppliers, manufacturers and industry partners to share expertise, manage technical challenges and deliver results.
• Keep everything aligned: Oversee asset configuration and provide technical advice and validation to support engineering projects and maintenance activities.

You’ll also be an important voice in wider business discussions, providing technical assurance, reporting on performance and helping senior colleagues make informed decisions.

About You

Engineering knowledge, leadership experience and a passion for making things work better – that's three things you'll bring to this role.

You’ll have experience working in an engineering or technical environment, ideally within the railway industry, alongside experience in a management position. You'll understand the importance of keeping complex assets safe, reliable and fit for purpose, and be comfortable taking ownership when technical challenges arise.

You’ll also be able to:

• Lead, support and develop technical colleagues, helping them build their skills and reach their potential.
• Investigate complex problems, understand technical risks and turn your findings into practical solutions.
• Use data and performance information to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Communicate technical information clearly, adapting your approach to different audiences.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues across different business areas.
• Balance technical priorities with wider business needs, making informed decisions that deliver long-term value.

Commercial experience would also be beneficial, particularly when developing business cases and assessing the costs and benefits of engineering improvements.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who takes pride in doing things properly. You’ll challenge the status quo when needed, share your knowledge and bring people together to make a difference.

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 2,650 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.