Train Movements Controller
Salary: £51,575.00 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Heaton TrainCare Centre
Role type: On site
Keeping trains moving starts long before they reach the platform.
Every train leaving Heaton TrainCare Centre has a journey ahead of it, and you'll play a key part in making sure that journey begins safely. As a Train Movements Controller, you'll be at the centre of depot operations, coordinating train movements, protecting work areas and making sure everyone working around the railway can do their job safely.
You'll work closely with Depot Drivers, shunting teams, traincrew and the Tyneside Integrated Electronic Control Centre (IECC) to keep the depot running smoothly. It's a role that combines communication, concentration and quick decision-making, where every safe movement you authorise helps keep customers across the North on the move.
What you'll be doing
No two shifts are exactly the same, but you'll spend your time:
- Authorising the safe movement of trains around the TrainCare Centre.
- Monitoring train locations and maintaining an accurate, real-time picture of depot activity.
- Protecting work areas so colleagues can carry out maintenance safely.
- Communicating clearly with Depot Drivers, shunting staff, traincrew and control colleagues to coordinate movements.
- Reporting faults, delays and operational issues quickly and accurately.
- Operating manual and automatic points and the carriage washing plant when required.
- Keeping accurate operational records while helping maintain a safe, organised depot environment.
About you
You'll enjoy working in an environment where safety comes first and every decision matters. You stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly and can keep track of several moving parts without losing focus.
Concentration, communication and teamwork – that's the combination you'll bring to this role.
We're looking for someone who:
- Can stay focused in a busy, safety-critical environment.
- Makes good decisions and follows procedures with confidence.
- Communicates clearly with a wide range of colleagues.
- Works well as part of a team while using their own initiative.
- Pays close attention to detail and understands the importance of accuracy.
- Can adapt quickly as operational priorities change.
Experience in a safety-critical environment is helpful, but we'll provide full training, including the Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) and the safety procedures you'll need to succeed.
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 dependants 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.
