Head of Service Planning, Northern Trains Limited
York, Leeds, or Manchester

Who we are.

At Northern Trains, we’re creating a brand-new future. Not just for our organisation, but one that will transform the way we all think about rail travel across the UK.

As the biggest train operating company outside of London and now under public ownership, we’re working hard to introduce the latest technology, state-of-the-art trains, and extra capacity. Putting customers at the heart of our business, we are delivering a true Northern experience while increasing social mobility and bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life.

We connect millions of people to work, leisure, education and more every week. But we also invest in our own people too, and we’re committed to building a workplace that’s as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve.

The role of Head of Service Planning

Working in partnership with the wider Northern leadership team, reporting to our Strategic Development Director, based in York, you will lead a team of Train Planning professionals to deliver Northern’s ambitious plans to transform the train service, whilst taking a strategic approach to bettering our performance, customer service and resource utilisation.

You will lead the team to deliver all timetables, unit plans and train crew diagrams for the Northern service operation which will deliver in line with our service agreements, performance target and the Northern business plan. A key part of the role is working with Network Rail to drive future infrastructure cases, influence engineering access to reduce the impact of network closures on our customers and completing the detailed bid and offer process to agree the final timetable. You will lead the development of alternative transport plans around engineering closures and special events.

In partnership with our Regional Director team you will work together to deliver operational transformation and timetable readiness within in a complex trade union environment so previous industry experience would be desirable.

As a Head of Service Planning, you will:

• Proven track record of timetable techniques, route geography and capacity, crew resourcing agreements.
• Proven ability to empower and inspire a large diverse team.
• Lead the bidding process with Network for the necessary train slots to deliver the specified services.
• Lead and direct the development of detailed trains service specifications for all Northern Service strategies.
• Lead and direct the strategic stakeholder relationships with industry partners and trade unions.
• Own and develop business plan targets and tactics for the improving train diagrams, resource utilisation including rolling stock, evaluating timetable implications on stock release and Network Rail improvement proposals.
• Lead and direct on long term network planning including service commitments.
• Deploy the Northern Traction and Rolling stock fleet to best satisfy product specification, market objectives whilst minimising maintenance and servicing.
• Lead and guide the development of contingency and emergency timetabling.
• Provide expect advice and guidance to the Operational, Safety and Engineering teams to influence operational effectiveness, commercial benefits and Customer Service Excellence.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to empower and inspire a large diverse team.
• A proven change agent capable of energising and engaging the organisation.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, possessing the ability to interact and maintain credibility.
• Politically astute with proven excellent influencing and communication skills.
• Successful experience in operational management in a safety critical industry.
• Experience of working in a complex trade union environment.

About you:

You’ll be a capable communicator and problem solver. You’ll have what it takes to make sound engineering and budgetary decisions. And you’ll be someone who can influence and inspire people across our business.

• In return, you’ll be able to make the most of:
• Free Travel on Northern services for you and your family*
• 75% discount on all other Train Operating Companies leisure services*
• Pension Scheme
• A generous holiday entitlement
• Maternity and Paternity Benefits - above the statutory minimum
• Full uniform for frontline facing roles Employee Assistance Programme - operating 24/7, giving a wide range of advice, support and useful information for employees
• And many more!

Our selection process is designed to make joining Northern as smooth as possible. It helps us decide whether you’re the right person to deliver a great service to our customers. And it can also help you make sure we’re the right team for you, too.

Northern is an equal opportunities employer and a promoter of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
If you’re ready to join a workplace where you can focus on being yourself and being your best, we’d love to hear from you. Whoever you are and whatever your background, there’s a great chance that you’ll fit right in at Northern.

The first thing you need to do is complete our online application form and tell us a little bit more about yourself. Once we have all your details, we’ll be in touch to let you know what happens next.