Timetable Modelling Specialist

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every reliable journey is a timetable that’s been carefully designed, tested, and improved. As part of our Strategic Development team, you’d be right at the centre of that work as a Timetable Modelling Specialist – shaping how our services run today and how they’ll run tomorrow.

This role focuses on turning data into better journeys. You’d use specialist modelling tools to test ideas, spot opportunities, and solve performance challenges across our Operating Plan – the blueprint that keeps our trains moving. Working closely with Planning, Commercial, and Operations, your insight will help create a timetable that’s not just workable, but resilient, efficient, and built around our customers.

• Using timetable modelling software such as Trenolabs to test and improve how our services perform - training can be provided on specialist software
• Exploring different timetable options and identifying ways to improve punctuality and reliability
• Translating complex modelling outputs into clear, practical recommendations
• Working with Planning and Commercial teams to turn ideas into deliverable timetable changes
• Collaborate with colleagues to assess how changes affect traincrew, rolling stock (trains), and wider resource planning
• Work with industry colleagues to consider how our plans interact with other train operators and Network Rail across the wider network
• Supporting the development of seasonal timetables, such as Autumn plans
• Contributing to business cases and documentation that support Operating Plan improvements
• Keeping modelling processes, documentation, and best practice up to date

Data Modelling experience, analytical thinking, and clear communication – that’s the combination that makes this role work.

You’ll bring:

• Demonstrable experience using modelling tools or analysing complex data – ideally in a rail or operational setting
• Ideally a good understanding of railway geography and how timetables are built and governed
• Confidence interpreting technical outputs and explaining them in a way others can act on
• Preferably knowledge of how railway operations work, including rules, planning cycles, and constraints
• Strong numeracy skills, with education to A-level standard or equivalent
• The ability to manage deadlines and balance competing priorities
• A collaborative approach – comfortable working across teams and influencing decisions

If you’ve worked with timetable planning rules, Network Code, or traincrew and rolling stock planning, that’s a bonus – but not essential. What matters most is your ability to turn insight into action.

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:

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.

We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

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.

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’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…