Driver Team Manager

Northern; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 1 498 000; Full time

Job summary

A regional train operating company in Newcastle is seeking a Driver Team Manager to lead a team of drivers for safe and reliable train services. This role involves ensuring operational performance, promoting safety, and coaching drivers. Applicants must have a current TDLCR licence and at least 4 years of train driver competence. The company offers compelling benefits, including free travel and generous pension contributions, in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Free travel on services

Generous pension contributions

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Training and career development

Qualifications

• Must hold a current TDLCR licence.
• Minimum of 4 years train driver competence required.
• Ability to work shift patterns including weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of drivers to deliver safe train services.
• Manage day-to-day operational performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture.

Skills

Strong people skills

Management skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

Current TDLCR licence

At least 4 years train driver competence

Tools

Full driving licence

Job description

Overview

JOB TITLE: Driver Team Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Operations Management

SALARY: 67614

ROLE TYPE: On site

LOCATION: Newcastle

HOURS: 37 per week

Responsibilities

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

IMPORTANT: To apply you’ll need to hold a current TDLCR licence and have at least 4 years 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 you can expect

• 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 2,500 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, 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.