Job Title: Stakeholder Manager (Yorks, Humber and Lincs)
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programmes
SALARY: c£ £61,695/Grade:ML2/SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Leeds / York
HOURS: 37 per week
Great railways are built on great relationships.
Every station improvement, service enhancement and investment in the railway starts with people working together. As a Stakeholder Manager, you'll help shape the future of rail across the North by building partnerships that make a real difference for the communities we serve.
You'll be the face of Northern across your region, working with local authorities, transport bodies, Mayoral Authorities, elected representatives and community organisations to turn shared ambitions into real improvements. Whether you're securing funding for a station upgrade, influencing future transport plans or strengthening relationships with key decision makers, you'll help create a railway that works better for everyone.
This is a role with real visibility and influence. You'll work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across Northern, and represent the business and the rail industry at some of the region's most important meetings and events. If you enjoy bringing people together, spotting opportunities and making things happen, you'll find plenty to get your teeth into here.
Hybrid working is available, with regular travel across your region and to stakeholder meetings as part of the role.
What you'll be doing
You'll lead the development and delivery of partnership and stakeholder activity in your region, aligned to Northern’s strategy. , You’ll be creating partnerships that strengthen Northern and the rail industry’s reputation, unlock investment and support long-term ambitions.
You'll also:
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with mayoral and transport authorities, elected representatives, community organisations and regional partners.
- Lead conversations that secure funding and investment for stations, train services and wider rail improvements.
- Represent Northern at public meetings, partnership boards, customer forums and stakeholder events, acting as a credible and confident ambassador for the business.
- Line manage and support the Community & Sustainability Manager, helping them deliver meaningful engagement across the region.
- Work closely with colleagues across Northern and the rail industry to deliver joined-up partnership and stakeholder engagement.
- Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for senior leaders, ensuring they're equipped for high-profile meetings.
- Monitor stakeholder activity, anticipate emerging issues and identify opportunities that support Northern's strategic priorities.
- Champion social sustainability initiatives that strengthen Northern's role within local communities.
About you
Influencing people, building trust and creating opportunities – that's three things you'll bring to the role.
You'll have experience managing strategic relationships across public, private or third-sector organisations and know how to build consensus, navigate competing priorities and achieve positive outcomes. You're just as comfortable presenting to senior leaders as you are listening to community groups, adapting your approach to get the best result for everyone involved.
You'll also bring:
- Significant experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership management, public affairs, business development or external relations.
- Experience working with local authorities, transport organisations, government bodies or similarly complex organisations.
- A proven track record of securing funding, developing investment opportunities or contributing to successful business cases.
- Experience leading projects involving multiple stakeholders, balancing competing priorities and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build lasting partnerships.
- Experience preparing and delivering presentations, reports and briefings for senior leaders and external audiences.
- The confidence to represent an organisation at public meetings, consultations and high-profile events, including handling sensitive or challenging discussions.
- Political awareness and an understanding of how local or regional decision making influences transport and infrastructure.
- Experience leading, coaching or developing colleagues, with the ability to support others to succeed.
- Excellent communication skills, sound judgement and a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities.
- A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel across your region as required.
A diploma or degree-level qualification is desirable, but we're more interested in your ability to build relationships, influence decisions and deliver results that improve the railway for our customers.
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.
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.
