Business Function: Control
Salary: £22,533 (Please note your salary will be 90% whilst you are in your training period)
Location: York Rail Operating Centre
Role Type: Onsite
Hours: 21 Hours (On a rolling shift pattern)
Customer Information Controller
As part of our Control team at Northern, you'd be right at the centre of keeping the North moving. When something unexpected happens on the network, whether planned engineering work or a sudden disruption, you're the calm voice that helps people understand what's going on and what their options are. It's a role that blends quick thinking with genuine care for customers, making sure every message you share is clear, accurate and helpful.
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on, but they stay because of the people who make those journeys feel supported, even on the tricky days. If you enjoy solving problems in the moment and communicating with clarity and confidence, you'll feel right at home here.
What you'll be doing
You'll help keep customers and colleagues up to date in real time, using a range of systems to monitor our services and share information as things change. Your day could involve:
* Keeping track of train services through our digital systems and making sure any disruption is communicated quickly to the right people.
* Sending clear, real-time updates to customers, colleagues and partner organisations, including the reasons for delays or service changes.
* Working with the Customer Services Controller to arrange alternative transport when needed, and supporting planned and unplanned rail replacement activity.
* Updating local public address systems (LLPA) and customer information screens (CIS) so stations reflect the latest timetable or disruption changes.
* Providing manual announcements when the situation calls for it.
* Responding to requests for help through help points or the freephone helpline.
* Supporting conductors and station teams with customer service queries, including assisting with procedures linked to the Disabled Persons Protection Policy (DPPP).
* Recording key events accurately in the daily log.
About you
You're someone who brings a calm, reassuring presence to fast–paced situations. You communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds and you're comfortable balancing empathy with practicality when customers need support.
A few things you'll bring:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* The ability to learn and work across several systems at once.
* A proactive approach and a natural instinct to help others.
* An understanding of what good customer service looks like, especially during disruption.
* If you also have knowledge of passenger train operations, incident management, the geography of our network or our policies on connections and alternative transport, that's a bonus, but it's not essential.
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.
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.