Head of engineering- strategy & alignment

Head of Engineering Strategy and Alignment

Salary: £91,000 per annum
Location: York, Leeds or Manchester, with flexibility to travel across our network

Engineering keeps our railway moving. It underpins every safe journey, every reliable service and every improvement we make for our customers. Behind that day‑to‑day delivery sits the bigger picture – deciding where we’re heading, how we’ll get there and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

As Head of Engineering Strategy and Alignment, you’ll help shape that picture.

Working closely with the Engineering Director and senior leaders from across Northern, you will provide the strategic backbone for our Engineering function. You will bring clarity to complexity, turning operational, technical and financial information into plans people can understand, trust and act upon. From long‑term priorities to day‑to‑day governance, you will help ensure our engineering activity is aligned, focused and delivering what matters most.

This is a role with genuine influence. You will shape how Engineering operates, strengthen decision‑making and create a single source of truth that gives confidence in our plans, performance and future direction. At a time of significant change across the rail industry, you will help ensure Engineering is ready for what’s next.

What you’ll be doing

As part of our team at Northern, you’ll:

• Develop and embed a long‑term engineering strategy that aligns with Northern’s wider business priorities.
• Translate complex operational, technical and financial information into clear, practical plans and priorities.
• Lead Engineering’s contribution to the business planning cycle, ensuring commitments, benefits and milestones remain on track and are transparently reported.
• Establish and maintain governance frameworks that support effective decision‑making across Engineering and the wider matrix organisation.
• Act as the formal gatekeeper for proposals progressing through Northern’s governance forums, ensuring robust business cases and appropriate approvals.
• Define and maintain standards, frameworks and controls that promote consistency and compliance.
• Create reporting mechanisms and data structures that provide accurate, meaningful insight for both operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Build trusted relationships with Directors and senior stakeholders, providing evidence‑based challenge and support.
• Monitor progress against strategic objectives and help the business respond proactively to emerging risks and opportunities.
• Promote a unified approach across Engineering, creating alignment between teams and disciplines.

About you

You’ll be someone who enjoys bringing order to complexity and helping people see the bigger picture.

Strategy, governance and stakeholder influence – that’s the trio you’ll bring to this role.

You will also have:

• Significant experience operating in a senior strategic, programme, business planning or governance role within a complex organisation.
• A proven ability to develop and translate strategy into practical, deliverable plans.
• Experience of leading governance processes and navigating formal decision‑making frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and communicate clear recommendations.
• Confidence influencing and constructively challenging senior stakeholders, including Director‑level colleagues.
• Experience designing reporting frameworks and performance measures that drive informed decision‑making.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
• A collaborative approach and a talent for bringing people together around shared goals.

Experience within engineering, transport, infrastructure or another safety‑critical environment would be advantageous, although we’re equally interested in the transferable skills and perspectives you can bring.

What’s in it for you?

• 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: You can access tailored training and recognised qualifications. Enhanced career pathways are available across the business.
• Recognition: We celebrate excellence with Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.

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 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.

We’re committed to 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 are a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we will 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.