Performance Improvement Business Partner - #1724843

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Performance

SALARY: Circa £44,000 - £46,000 per annum / ML1:SB3

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid (3 days in the office)

HOURS: 37 per week

LOCATION: Leeds/York

Do you have a sharp problem-solving mindset and a deep understanding of modern railway operations?

At Northern we have ambitious plans to transform Operational Performance for our customers and we’re looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to help deliver those plans. As a Performance Improvement Business Partner, reporting directly to the Performance Implementation Manager, you will lead the delivery of our Performance Strategy for Northern. Your mission? To embed a performance driven culture across the region and deliver continuous improvements that benefit our customers, the business, and the industry at large.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to collaborate with industry partners, engage with senior leadership, and build strong relationships across the business. Get ready to take ownership of meaningful projects, push the boundaries of performance, and see your work make a tangible difference.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead on the delivery of our Joint Performance Strategy, creating tailored improvement plans that foster a positive performance culture and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Providing detailed reports and insight to internal and external stakeholders that influences tactical and strategic decision making.
• Lead on the delivery of projects that underpin our Performance Strategy.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the regional management team.
• Work alongside Network Rail and OTOCs to safeguard regional performance, championing PIMS implementation and facilitating smooth collaborations across partners.
• Analyse performance data, you’ll review daily and periodic metrics, identify performance gaps, and implement corrective actions while sharing insights and lessons across the business.
• Collaborate with regional teams and industry partners to develop and deliver impactful performance improvement projects, backed by solid business cases.
  
  
  

About you:

We’re looking for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, has a passion for the railway industry, and can drive performance improvements.

• A degree-level education (or equivalent), with strong analytical, written, and presentation skills.
• Active member of industry body e.g. CIRO
• Understanding of railway performance management, operations, service planning, operations control and safety management.
• Strong problem solving abilities, with the capability to analyse complex data, identify performance issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling you to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and build lasting relationships.
• Ability to influence decision making at all levels.
  
  
  

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 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.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• 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 2,500 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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. 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 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.