Northern
Corporate Stakeholder Manager (FTC)
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
SALARY: £61,064 - £64,640 /Grade: ML2/SB2
ROLE TYPE: Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
LOCATION: York
HOURS: 37 per week
The future of rail isn't shaped by one organisation alone. It's built through partnerships, collaboration and shared ambition. To help shape better journeys for millions of people across the North. As Corporate Stakeholder Manager you’ll be responsible for helping Northern and the rail industry in the North effectively engage and communicate with stakeholders and partners across the region. Communicating our business priorities, building support for future developments, and identifying shared objectives and opportunities sit at the heart of this role.
This is a role where you'll influence, connect and communicate. One day you could be briefing senior leaders ahead of a meeting with government, the next you'll be developing a stakeholder campaign and communications or identifying new partnerships that help improve rail services. If you enjoy building relationships, turning complex issues into clear messages and making a genuine impact beyond the business, you'll feel right at home here.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll lead the way in developing and delivering Northern's stakeholder engagement strategy, helping us build lasting relationships with the people and organisations that matter most.
That means you'll:
- Develop and deliver stakeholder engagement plans that strengthen Northern's reputation and support our long-term business goals.
- Create engaging communications across digital, print and face-to-face channels, ensuring stakeholders understand our plans, priorities and progress.
- Represent Northern at meetings, conferences, public events and stakeholder forums, confidently managing complex or high-profile discussions.
- Monitor political, policy and stakeholder developments across the North, providing timely insight, analysis and advice to senior leaders on risks, opportunities and emerging issues.
- Lead stakeholder reporting and intelligence, using data to inform business planning, investment decisions and future engagement.
- Identify new partnerships that support better rail services, stronger communities and sustainable growth across the North.
- Oversee stakeholder events and political engagement activity, helping Northern build meaningful relationships with decision makers.
- Manage external suppliers and agency partners ensuring high-quality delivery and value for money.
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About You
Building relationships, communicating with confidence and seeing the bigger picture – that's what will help you succeed in this role.
You'll be someone who enjoys bringing people together, can navigate complex conversations with confidence and knows how to turn ideas into action.
You'll also bring:
- Significant experience managing senior stakeholder relationships across transport, infrastructure, public affairs, regulated industries or similar complex environments.
- Significant experience building campaigns to support change communications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
- Experience representing an organisation in public, political or partnership settings.
- The confidence to influence senior leaders and external partners, even when conversations are challenging.
- Strong political awareness and an understanding of how government, public bodies or regulated industries operate.
- The ability to analyse information, spot opportunities and provide strategic advice that supports business objectives.
- A degree or professional qualification in communications, politics, public affairs or a related discipline would be beneficial, but equivalent experience is equally valued.
Most importantly, you'll believe that great relationships don't happen by accident. They happen because someone takes the time to listen, understand different perspectives and find common ground.
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.
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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.
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