TRU Communications Executive - #1762874

BUSINESS FUNCTION: People

SALARY: Circa £36,000 per annum / ML1:SB1

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid

HOURS: 37 per week

LOCATION: Leeds/York/Manchester

Big things are happening in the North. The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is one of the most ambitious rail projects in the country – and Northern is playing a major part in bringing it to life. From major infrastructure upgrades to better journeys for passengers, it's all about transforming travel across the Pennines.

As a Communications Executive working on TRU, you’ll be part of the team making sure our colleagues, customers and communities know exactly what Northern is delivering. It’s a wide-reaching role that touches on everything from stakeholder engagement to content creation. You’ll help us shape the story of TRU and show how it’s making a real difference to people across the region.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the TRU Communications and Marketing Manager to deliver the communications strategy
• Creating engaging content for a range of channels – newsletters, social media, press releases, posters, internal briefs, and more
• Building awareness of TRU and Northern’s role in the programme through consistent and compelling messaging
• Managing stakeholder relationships – from government bodies to local communities and industry partners
• Handling media relations, including drafting press materials, arranging interviews, and responding to press enquiries
• Planning and supporting events, such as community drop-ins and industry updates
• Coordinating digital marketing activity and using analytics to improve campaigns
• Helping colleagues across Northern understand and champion the TRU programme internally
  
  
  

About You

• Creative thinker, strong writer, people person – you’ll bring a mix of talents to this role.
• A degree-level education (in a relevant subject is a plus) and at least three years in a communications role will give you the foundation you need. Design or artworking skills would be a bonus, but what really matters is how clearly and confidently you can get the message across.
• Relationship building, project coordination, content creation, and a good understanding of the media landscape – that’s four things you’ll need. You’ll also be comfortable with digital tools and able to juggle tasks in a fast-moving environment.
  
  
  

This role is hybrid and flexible, but you’ll need to be able to travel along the TRU route when needed – particularly across Leeds, Manchester, York and Huddersfield.

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.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electic or plugin hybrid car.
• 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.
  
  
  

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.