We are transforming; by 2020 we will set the standard for rail travel in the North and beyond. With a £1 billion investment in transforming our business and rail travel, these are exciting times and a great time to join us. 

We’re one of the UK’s largest train operating companies and our franchise began on 1 April 2016, running for 9 years. Northern is owned by Arriva Group (backed by Deutsche Bahn). 

Northern plays a vital role in the north of England by connecting tens of thousands of people, to work, leisure and education. Our aim is to connect people to opportunities by providing a reliable and friendly train service. We have made significant progress since we started but there is much more that we want to achieve and you can be a part of it. 

We are looking for a Head of Communications to lead our strategy and our talented team at a time of significant investment and change for our business. We are inviting applications from senior communications professionals with significant experience of delivering corporate affairs plans in complex, fast-changing business environments. Northern is delivering over £600m of investment, including new trains, better stations and more services, to transform local rail services in the North.

Heading our team of a dozen communications professionals with responsibility for internal communications, media relations, customer communications, and social media, the post holder will help bring our business plan to life for our 6,100 colleagues and tell our story externally for customers, clients and stakeholders, and media.

Candidates must have prior experience in using communications to deliver corporate strategy in complex organisations – as a trusted advisor to executive teams, both at a business and a group level.

Rail is a dynamic and high-profile industry with multiple touchpoints across public and private sector. The successful candidate will need to evidence a track record of delivery in working at the highest levels with national, regional and local media, government departments, political leaders, policymakers, and advocacy groups.

The role is based in the North of England, location is flexible between York, Leeds or Manchester, with an attractive base salary plus substantial benefits.