Application Support Analyst - #1762638

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Finance/IT

SALARY: Circa £44,000 per annum/ ML2:SB1

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid

LOCATION: Leeds/York/Manchester

HOURS: 37 per week

Application Support Analyst

From ticketing systems to passenger information boards, behind every smooth journey is a suite of software working quietly in the background. As our next Application Support Analyst, you’ll help keep it all on track.

This role sits at the heart of our technology team, making sure that the systems our customers and colleagues rely on are stable, well managed and performing exactly as they should. You’ll work closely with third-party suppliers to manage business-critical applications, keeping everything running smoothly while tackling issues head-on when they arise.

If you're calm under pressure, quick to problem-solve and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this role could be your next stop.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Monitoring and managing applications like scheduling, ticketing and passenger information to spot and fix problems before they cause disruption
• Leading incident response and root cause analysis to resolve and prevent recurring issues
• Acting as the main point of contact for application support queries, helping users with troubleshooting and training where needed
• Building strong relationships with suppliers to make sure third-party apps perform well and meet contract standards
• Coordinating system changes, updates, patches and new feature rollouts with minimal impact to users
• Keeping detailed records and ensuring compliance with risk, regulatory and security requirements
• Supporting disaster recovery planning and ensuring resilience across critical systems
  
  
  

About You

You bring a sharp technical mind, a calm head and the people skills to match. You’re someone who can take a problem, unpack it, and find a way forward – even when the pressure’s on. Communication is key here, whether you’re chatting with colleagues, guiding suppliers or translating tech speak into plain English.

Here are a few essentials you’ll need:

• A degree in Computer Science, IT or a related field – or equivalent experience
• Solid background in application support, ideally in a 24/7 or mission-critical environment
• Hands-on experience working with third-party IT suppliers
• Confidence troubleshooting web-based and client-server systems
• Familiarity with ticketing tools and monitoring software
• An ITIL Foundation certification (preferred)
  
  
  

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.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
• 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 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.