Shift Production Manager

Northern; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A major rail operator in Manchester seeks a dynamic leader for their engineering teams. This role requires a Level 3 engineering qualification, with responsibilities including managing production teams and improving maintenance plans. Candidates should be capable of fostering a safety culture and enhancing team performance. A strong engineering background combined with excellent interpersonal skills is essential. The position is part-time and offers various benefits, including generous family support, training programs, and recognition initiatives.

Benefits

Unlimited free travel

Generous Pension Scheme

Enhanced Family Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Exclusive Discounts

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and Career Development

Recognition Awards

Qualifications

• Level 3 engineering qualification; HNC/HND or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in depot management, rolling stock, and fleet operations is desirable.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and make confident decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production and Movements teams to deliver maintenance.
• Partner with management to create effective production plans.
• Champion safety culture and ensure compliant operations.
• Support team performance and handle recruitment and wellbeing.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Level 3 engineering qualification

HNC/HND or equivalent

Job description

FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: ML1 / SB3

SALARY: 59910 per annum (plus 10% shift allowance)

ROLE: Type : Onsite

HOURS: 37 per week

Ready to lead our teams drive production and keep our trains on track

Picture yourself at the heart of a TrainCare Centre leading dynamic engineering teams building efficient maintenance plans and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. If you’re a natural leader with a passion for continuous improvement, a strong engineering background and the drive to deliver results this could be just the ticket to take your career to the next level!

It isn’t just about keeping trains moving; it’s about powering the North, inspiring your team and supporting the safe smooth running of thousands of services that connect communities across our region.

Can you see yourself:

• Leading the Way: Managing and motivating Production and Movements teams across our TrainCare Centre and Outstations to deliver reliable and efficient maintenance.
• Working Collaboratively: Partnering with fellow Production and Planning Managers to create strong achievable production plans and keep the fleet running like clockwork.
• Driving Safety & Standards: Championing a positive safety culture while ensuring high‑quality compliant and environmentally responsible operations.
• Supporting Your People: Managing team performance, handling recruitment, attendance and sickness, and being a key point of contact for your colleagues’ wellbeing and development.
• Improving Every Day: Spotting opportunities for continuous improvement and supporting innovation in the way we work.
• Mentoring & Motivating: Recruiting, developing and inspiring the next generation of engineers to be the best they can be.
• Balancing the Big Picture: Keeping a keen eye on material usage, stock and reliability to maintain performance while staying cost‑effective.

Are you:

• Technically Qualified: You’ll have a Level 3 engineering qualification and ideally HNC/HND level (or equivalent) or be willing to work towards, alongside NEBOSH or management qualifications.
• A People Leader: You’ve got the interpersonal skills to lead, engage and inspire diverse teams in a busy operational environment.
• Experienced in Engineering Ops: You know your way around depot management, rolling stock and all things fleet‑related (desirable).
• Calm Under Pressure: When things get busy you stay composed and make confident decisions to keep things on track.
• A Confident Communicator: You can work across teams, share updates and build strong working relationships with ease.
• Solution Focused: You’re driven by results and passionate about improving processes and delivering safe, reliable trains.

Whats 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.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• 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 2500 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 toward 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 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.

Required Experience

Manager

Employment Type

Part‑Time

Experience

Years

Vacancy

1