Northern
Driver Training Team Leader
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JOB ROLE: Driver Training Team Leader
SALARY: £74,927
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
HOURS: 37 Hours
LOCATION: Manchester/Leeds Academy’s
Purpose of the Role
This role will be instrumental in driving the Training Transformation Programme, shaping and delivering a modernised Level 3 Train Driver Apprentice Programme. It represents a step change in how driver training is designed and delivered, including the use of motion and static simulation as core learning tools.
The successful candidate will lead the Driver Training Teams (Manchester and Leeds based) through a period of significant change, providing clear direction, visible leadership and meaningful engagement to ensure a smooth transition to new ways of working whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety, competence and operational performance.
The role will also support the development of two new state-of-the-art training academies, helping to establish a modern, industry-leading learning environment that delivers exceptional outcomes for learners and the business.
Role Overview
The Driver Training Team Leader will lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for the delivery of compliant, high-quality and learner-focused train driver training.
As a key leader within Learning, Talent & Development, the postholder will be responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of driver training programmes, maintaining regulatory compliance and driving continuous improvement. The role requires an experienced leader who can demonstrate success in leading safety-critical operational teams through significant change, whilst building engagement, capability and performance.
The successful candidate will be a credible operational leader, able to influence stakeholders at all levels and champion innovation, including the integration of simulation technologies into driver training delivery.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing Driver Training Team.
- Ensure driver training meets all regulatory, operational and business requirements.
- Lead teams through the implementation of the Driver Training Transformation Programme.
- Maintain the highest standards of safety, competence and compliance.
- Drive improvements in learner outcomes and training quality.
- Support the implementation of simulation-based learning and digital innovation.
- Build strong relationships with operational leaders, trade unions and key stakeholders.
- Ensure readiness for internal and external audits and inspections.
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What Success Looks Like
- Successful delivery of the Driver Training Transformation Programme.
- High-quality training delivered consistently and on time.
- Safe and effective adoption of simulation-based learning.
- Engaged, high-performing teams with strong levels of employee engagement.
- Positive audit and assurance outcomes.
- Continuous improvement in learner experience and operational competence.
- Recognition as a trusted and influential business leader.
Experience & Qualifications
- Current Mainline Train Driver competence (essential).
- Level 5 qualification or equivalent operational experience.
- Assessor/Verifier qualification (or willingness to achieve).
- IOSH Managing Safely (or willingness to achieve).
- Training & Development qualification (or equivalent or willing to work towards).
- Significant experience within a safety-critical railway operational environment.
- Proven experience of leading operational teams through complex organisational or business change.
- Demonstrable experience of developing high-performing teams and managing performance.
- Experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders, including trade unions and senior leaders.
Key Behaviours & Skills
- Inspiring, credible and resilient leader.
- Proven ability to lead teams through significant change and transformation.
- Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing others.
- Ability to build engagement, trust and accountability within teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Strong communication and decision-making capability.
- Ability to balance operational performance with safety and compliance requirements.
- Passion for innovation and embedding new technologies into learning delivery.
- Strong focus on delivering measurable business and learner outcomes.
This is a safety-critical role
Please note: Applicants must be able to demonstrate current Mainline Train Driver competence and substantial leadership experience within a safety-critical operational environment. Applications that do not meet these essential requirements are unlikely to be progressed.
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.
- 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 2,500 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, 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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