Head of Business Performance

Job Title: Head of Business Performance

Business Function: COO

Salary: Competitive

Role Type: Hybrid

Location: York/Manchester/Leeds

Hours: 37

Every train that arrives on time, every improvement delivered, and every operational decision starts with good information.

As Head of our Business Performance team, you'd turn data into direction. You'll lead the way in helping the Chief Operating Officer and senior leaders understand what's happening across the business today, what's likely to happen tomorrow, and where we can make things better. This is a role that sits at the heart of Northern's operation, connecting insight with action to improve performance for millions of customers across the North.

You'll lead a team that's shaping how we use data, forecasting and continuous improvement to make smarter decisions. From business planning and performance reporting to identifying risks before they become problems, you'll help create a culture where evidence drives every decision and continuous improvement becomes part of everyday working.

What you'll be doing

You'll provide strategic leadership for Business Performance across the Chief Operating Officer directorate, ensuring performance insights support operational and business decisions.

Some of the things you'll be doing include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing, inclusive Business Performance team.
• Turning complex operational data into clear, meaningful insight that supports better decision-making.
• Strengthening forecasting capabilities so we can identify opportunities and risks before they impact performance.
• Leading our Continuous Improvement capability, helping teams deliver lasting operational improvements.
• Owning the Chief Operating Officer business planning cycle, ensuring robust governance, planning and risk management.
• Working closely with colleagues across Service Delivery, Engineering, Operational Readiness and Information Technology (IT) to share best practice and improve performance across the business.
• Developing and maintaining dashboards and performance reporting that provide clear visibility of operational performance.
• Supporting the delivery of key strategic initiatives, including our 90-2 performance programme and Target Operating Model (TOM).
• Championing a positive safety culture, ensuring Safety, Health, Environment and Crime (SHEC) responsibilities are effectively managed across your area.
• Supporting Northern's environmental sustainability ambitions through the work you lead.

About you

You know that great performance isn't achieved by reporting numbers alone. It's about asking the right questions, spotting patterns others might miss, and helping people make better decisions.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading business performance or operational performance functions, ideally within the rail industry or another complex operational environment.
• Strong experience using business intelligence and performance data to influence strategic decision-making.
• A track record of improving forecasting, planning and operational performance.
• Experience leading continuous improvement programmes and embedding lasting change.
• The ability to inspire, coach and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence working alongside senior leaders.
• An understanding of Agile ways of working and how they support continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of data analytics tools and technologies, with experience of Python, Structured Query Language (SQL), or similar analytical tools being advantageous.

If you can combine commercial thinking, operational understanding and a passion for using insight to make things happen, you'll be right at home here.

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.
• 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 2,650 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 set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We've recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. 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 Disclosure and Barring Service (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.

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