BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: ML1/SB3

SALARY: Circa £54,000 per annum

ROLE TYPE: Agile – onsite 3/4 times per week

HOURS: 37 per week

Our Engineering Projects team keeps Northern’s trains safe, reliable, and ready for every journey across the North. As an Engineering Projects Delivery Manager, you’ll take ownership of key engineering projects from concept through to completion – ensuring they’re delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.

This role plays a big part in keeping our fleet performing at its best. From safety improvements to technology upgrades, every project you lead will help make rail travel smoother and more sustainable for our customers and communities.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll take responsibility for developing, planning, and delivering assigned engineering projects – from mandatory modifications and internal initiatives to IT and documentation-based improvements. Day to day, you’ll:

• Turn project concepts into detailed implementation plans ready for delivery.
• Prepare approval documents for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Report on progress, highlighting performance improvements, completion forecasts, and budget updates.
• Investigate safety or technical issues arising from maintenance or repairs, identifying solutions with contractors and engineers.
• Write working instructions and offer technical advice to support modifications and project rollout.
• Ensure all technical changes meet industry standards and specifications, maintaining compliance across every project.
• Manage material changes, ensuring stock and procurement are in place with the Fleet Commercial team.
• Liaise with engineering departments to minimise impact on fleet availability and highlight potential risks early.
• Represent Northern at industry forums and stay informed on external developments to ensure best practice across our fleet.

About you

You’ll bring a mix of engineering know-how, project delivery experience, and the confidence to communicate clearly at every level. Collaboration will be your superpower – working with technical specialists, managers, and partners to make things happen.

Here are the key things you’ll bring:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – you know how to bring people with you.
• Proven experience managing complex engineering projects from planning to delivery.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise when things get busy.
• Significant experience in engineering management, ideally within railway vehicle engineering or a depot environment.
• Engineering qualifications to HNC level (or working towards).
• NEBOSH Certificate (or working towards).
• Experience of safety, quality, and technical product audits.
• Confidence using IT systems and supporting others with them.

And if you also hold a project management or managerial qualification, even better.

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: 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: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear career pathways.
• Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate 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 2,500 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, 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 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.