Regional Operations Manager- Train Presentation

Northern; Leeds; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel

Pension scheme

Family benefits

Cycle to work

Employee discounts

Employee assistance

Training & development

Recognition programme

Job summary

Northern is seeking an ambitious Regional Operations Manager to lead Train Presentation teams across the East Region, based in Leeds. You will travel between sites, drive performance, and shape the operations mindset with a hands‑on leadership style.

We value practical problem solvers with people management experience who can foster engagement, efficiency and safe working practices across locations. A UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing or supervising people in a busy operational environment.
• The confidence and ability to build relationships, motivate teams and support others to succeed.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach to challenges.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance competing priorities.
• A willingness to get involved, learn quickly and take ownership of decisions.
• An interest in improving processes, performance and the way teams work together.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to engage with colleagues at all levels.
• An understanding of the importance of working safely and maintaining high standards.
• A full UK driving licence, as you'll be travelling between locations.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting operational teams across multiple locations, building a positive, engaged and high‑performing culture.
• Getting out into the operation, understanding how things work and identifying opportunities to make them better.
• Supporting and developing team leaders, helping them build their confidence, capability and performance.
• Planning people and resources effectively to meet operational demands and changing priorities.
• Using performance information to identify trends, solve problems and drive improvements.
• Working closely with colleagues across Engineering, Operations and other departments to deliver shared objectives.
• Building strong working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and trade union representatives.
• Managing budgets and resources responsibly while looking for ways to improve efficiency.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring colleagues have the tools, support and guidance they need.
• Leading and supporting change, encouraging new ideas and finding more effective ways of working.

Skills

Team leadership

People management

Relationship building

Problem solving

Organisational skills

Willingness to learn

Process improvement

Communication skills

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

Regional Operations Manager – Train Presentation Location: Leeds (covering the East Region)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £45,349 per annum Ready to take the next step in your career? We're looking for an ambitious, hands‑on manager who enjoys working with people, solving problems and making things happen. You don't need to come from a rail background, and you certainly don't need to be an expert in train cleaning. What matters to us is your ability to lead people, think operationally and bring the right attitude to the job. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has already gained some management experience and is ready to take on a broader role, leading teams across multiple locations and developing their career within a busy operational environment. At Northern, our Train Presentation teams play an important part in making sure our trains are clean, comfortable and ready for customers every day. As our Regional Operations Manager, you'll help lead those teams, improve the way we work and make a real difference to the experience of both our colleagues and customers. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues who will help you develop your knowledge of the railway, while giving you the opportunity to bring your own ideas, energy and approach to the role.
What you'll be doing
You'll take responsibility for leading Train Presentation teams across several locations in our East Region, ensuring people, performance and operational priorities come together to deliver a great service. This is very much a hands‑on operational leadership role. We want someone who's comfortable getting out across our locations, spending time with colleagues, understanding challenges and working with their teams to find solutions. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting operational teams across multiple locations, building a positive, engaged and high‑performing culture.
• Getting out into the operation, understanding how things work and identifying opportunities to make them better.
• Supporting and developing team leaders, helping them build their confidence, capability and performance.
• Planning people and resources effectively to meet operational demands and changing priorities.
• Using performance information to identify trends, solve problems and drive improvements.
• Working closely with colleagues across Engineering, Operations and other departments to deliver shared objectives.
• Building strong working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and trade union representatives.
• Managing budgets and resources responsibly while looking for ways to improve efficiency.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring colleagues have the tools, support and guidance they need.
• Leading and supporting change, encouraging new ideas and finding more effective ways of working.

No two days will look quite the same. You might start your morning reviewing performance with your team leaders, spend the afternoon visiting one of your locations and finish the day working with colleagues on an improvement project. It's a role where you'll have the opportunity to make decisions, take ownership and see the impact of your work. About you We're more interested in your potential, attitude and approach to leadership than the industry you've worked in. You might be an existing team manager looking for your next challenge, someone who's progressed through a graduate management programme, or an operational leader who's ready to take on responsibility across multiple locations. Whatever your background, you'll be someone who enjoys being part of the operation, isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves and genuinely wants to get the best out of people. Ideally, you'll bring:

• Experience managing or supervising people in a busy operational environment.
• The confidence and ability to build relationships, motivate teams and support others to succeed.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach to challenges.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance competing priorities.
• A willingness to get involved, learn quickly and take ownership of decisions.
• An interest in improving processes, performance and the way teams work together.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to engage with colleagues at all levels.
• An understanding of the importance of working safely and maintaining high standards.
• A full UK driving licence, as you'll be travelling between locations.

Experience working across multiple sites would be an advantage, but it's not essential if you can demonstrate the right leadership skills and potential. Most importantly, we're looking for someone with drive, curiosity and a positive approach. Someone who wants to learn, develop and make their mark. Why join Northern? This is more than an opportunity to manage a team. It's a chance to develop your operational leadership career within one of the North's largest train operators. You'll gain exposure to a complex, fast‑moving operational environment, work alongside experienced leaders and have the opportunity to influence how we deliver our services. We know you won't have all the answers on day one, and we don't expect you to. We'll support you in building your knowledge of the railway and developing the skills you need to succeed.
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 dependants 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.