Business Function: Control & Resource Planning
Salary: Up to £90,000
Role Type: On Site
Location:  York Rail Operating Centre
Hours: 37.5 per week

Step into the role of Head of Control, where you lead the powerhouse team behind the real-time coordination of rail services; the rail industry’s equivalent of air traffic control. This is more than just a leadership role; it is about orchestrating the safe, smooth, and efficient flow of trains across the network. You will drive operational excellence, build resilience, and respond decisively to disruption, ensuring minimal impact to services and maximum confidence for customers.

Using cutting-edge data insights and collaborating closely with key partners including Network Rail and Train Operating Companies, you will be at the forefront of proactive decision-making and swift incident response. Your leadership will shape a culture grounded in safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This is a high-impact role for a hands-on, visible leader who thrives under pressure and is passionate about transforming control operations into a predictive, performance-led environment. If you are ready to be the calm in the storm and the strategist behind the scenes, this is your calling.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and develop a high-performing Control team, supporting wellbeing, development and performance aligned to Northern’s 90/2 punctuality target.

• Be the go-to decision maker for real-time operational response, minimising disruption and keeping services running.

• Own and improve on-the-day service management using insights from the Business Performance team.

• Act as Bronze Command during incidents, playing a central role in our operational response.

• Ensure clear and timely communication to customers during disruption.

• Champion safety and compliance, ensuring the Control team operates in line with SHEC standards.

• Work cross-functionally with Service Delivery, Engineering, Network Rail (NR), and Train Operating Company (TOC) partners.

• Lead from the front, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

About you

• Extensive railway operations experience, with strong understanding of infrastructure, geography, and operational procedures.

• A confident, progressive leader who can motivate teams and lead under pressure.

• Strong experience in crisis and disruption management, with the ability to make timely, safety-led decisions.

• Ability to turn data into action, leveraging performance insights to drive continual improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to balance operational demands with strategic improvement goals.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

• Knowledge of rail industry systems and IT tools, including MS Office.

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.
•  Private Medical Insurance
•  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.
•  Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
•  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 2,500 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.