BUSINESS FUNCTION:  People
SALARY: £59,056 - £64,640 / Grade: ML2/SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION:  Leeds or Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week

Great decisions start with great data. Across Northern, people data helps shape everything from workforce planning to colleague experience – giving leaders the insight they need to support thousands of colleagues who keep our railway moving every day.

As part of our People team, you’d lead the function responsible for turning complex people data into meaningful insight. Some of that information arrives neatly structured. Much of it doesn’t. Your role is to bring it together, validate it, and transform it into clear, reliable analytics that help teams across Northern make better decisions throughout the

employee lifecycle.

Working closely with colleagues in the People team, Business Insights, and across the wider organisation, you’ll build interactive reporting and analytics solutions using tools

such as Microsoft Fabric and Power BI. You’ll also lead a small analytics team, helping them develop their skills while shaping how people data is used across the business.

What you’ll be doing

As part of our team at Northern, you’d be:

• Leading the development of people data models, datasets, and processes using Microsoft Fabric to support organisational reporting
• Designing and maintaining Power BI dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and visualisations that support decision-making across the employee lifecycle
• Turning complex or manually sourced data into accurate, reliable analytics through validation, cleansing, transformation, and reconciliation
• Working closely with stakeholders across the People team and the wider business to translate real-world questions into meaningful data solutions
• Establishing strong data governance, validation processes, and documentation to maintain quality and consistency
• Coaching and developing a small team of analytics specialists, supporting their performance and professional growth
• Improving reporting processes so teams can access the information they need quickly while maintaining accuracy and trust in the data
• Providing expert insight and recommendations to support people-related projects and business decisions
• Collaborating with external bodies and industry peers to stay connected with developments in people data and analytics

About you

You’ll bring experience of managing people data in a large, complex organisation where information doesn’t always arrive perfectly structured. You’re comfortable digging into messy datasets, asking the right questions, and building solutions that people across the business can actually use.

We’re also looking for someone who can lead others and build strong relationships – because great analytics only makes an impact when people understand and trust it.

Here are some of the key things you’ll bring:

• Experience leading or managing analytics or reporting in a complex data environment
• Strong knowledge of people (HR) data and how it supports the employee lifecycle
• Experience using analytics and visualisation tools such as Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Tableau, or Alteryx
• Confidence working with stakeholders at all levels, translating business questions into data solutions
• Experience working with HR or payroll systems such as SAP, Workday, or similar master data platforms
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills – with the curiosity to challenge existing ways of working
• Advanced Excel skills and strong reporting or system report-writing capability
• Experience developing data governance standards, validation processes, and documentation

Just as importantly, you’ll bring the leadership and communication skills needed to guide your team and help colleagues across Northern feel confident using data to make decisions.

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.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

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.