JOB ROLE: Driver Training Team Leader
SALARY: £74,927ROLE TYPE: PermanentHOURS: 37 HoursLOCATION: Manchester
Purpose of the Role
This role will be instrumental in driving the Training Transformation programme, shaping and delivering a modernised Level 3 Train Driver Apprentice Programme. It represents a step change in how driver training is designed and delivered, including the use of motion and static simulation as core learning tools.
The successful candidates will lead the East and West training teams through a period of change, providing clear direction, support, and engagement to ensure a smooth transition to new ways of working while embedding simulation into the wider training offer.
They will also support the development of two new state‑of‑the‑art training academies, helping to establish a modern, industry‑leading training environment.
Role Overview
The Driver Training Team Leader will lead and develop a high‑performing training team delivering compliant, high‑quality, learner‑focused training across non‑driver service delivery functions, including apprenticeships and operational upskilling.
The role is key within Learning, Talent & Development, with responsibility for curriculum design, training quality, safeguarding, compliance (OFSTED/ESFA), and driving continuous improvement aligned to Northern’s transformation agenda.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing training team
- Ensure training meets regulatory and operational requirements
- Improve apprenticeship outcomes and learner success
- Maintain safeguarding and safety-critical standards
- Support digital innovation and transformation projects
- Ensure audit readiness and compliance
What Success Looks Like
- High-quality training delivered consistently and on time
- Strong apprenticeship achievement and progression rates
- Engaged, high-performing teams with low turnover
- Positive external audit outcomes (OFSTED/RSSB)
- Continuous improvement in learner experience
- Recognised as a trusted business partner
Experience & Qualifications
- Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience
- Assessor/Verifier (or willingness to achieve)
- IOSH Managing Safely (or willingness to achieve)
- Training & Development qualification (or equivalent)
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in safety-critical operational environment
- Proven leadership and apprenticeship/FE delivery experience
Key Behaviours & Skills
- Inspiring and resilient leadership
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration
- Change leadership and innovation mindset
- Clear communication and problem solving
- Ability to embed new technology in training delivery
- Strong focus on performance and outcomes
This is a safety‑critical role and the successful candidate must be within a 45-minute commute of the workplace.
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: 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and a Level 2 Disability Confident employer. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
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