Jobs on offer in rail

Staff working to help customers navigate the railway during a whopping multi-billion-pound programme of improvements have shared what it’s like to work in the industry ahead of a major recruitment drive.

Customer delivery managers (CDMs) are the first point of contact for customers travelling on the rail network between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. 

They are on board to help customers through any planned and unplanned disruption while work takes place as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). 

The team is funded by the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) to support customers on behalf of Northern, Network Rail, TransPennine Express (TPE) – who work closely together as part of the TRU Enterprise – and the wider rail industry. 

Ellie Manns, (23), who spent two years in the role before joining TPE’s social media team, said: “With so much going on around the network and some of the stations being unstaffed, people really don’t have anyone else to go to with their questions. 

“If you don’t have a CDM there, it would make life a lot harder for them. That’s where we come in.” 

She explained that the job has kickstarted her railway career, adding: “When you work as a CDM, you get such a vast knowledge of the industry, you’re constantly moving around the rail network and dealing with new challenges. 

“It has really helped me in my new job with TPE, so I would definitely recommend the job to anyone who wants a career in rail.” 

The work being undertaken by TRU on the railway line between Manchester and York via Huddersfield and Leeds will deliver more frequent, faster, greener trains, running on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway.

As work to deliver the project ramps up in 2025, the CDMs will become increasingly vital in assisting customers in getting to where they need to be. 

Simon Mulvana, (29), who has been working as a CDM since January 2023, said: “You can really make a difference on the frontline and be there for the passengers. Not everyone is familiar with the railway, so we can really make someone’s day. 

“Also, since we are at stations every day, we see where improvements can be made and get asked for feedback a lot. This can lead to actions and improvements, which will improve the experience of our customers.” 

This role has been very popular, as it’s seen as a great way to learn the many different facets of the railway and we’re now excited to offer multiple opportunities for people to join this great team. 

Martine Manga, who has recently taken a new step in her career as Northern’s new energy & environment manager, after more recently leading the delivery of customer handling plans on TRU, credits her time on the platform for being the railway professional she is now. 

She said: “It was incredibly valuable, as I really discovered myself by dealing with challenges on my own. Every day is different because you’re not fixed in one position, you move along the TRU corridor with different stations and different ways of working.” 

For those interested in starting a career on the railway and want to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime railway programme like TRU, click here or visit: https://www.tpexpresscareers.co.uk/internal/vacancy/transpennine-express-limited-customer-service-professional-024409-huddersfield-railway-station/24439/description/ 

The closing date for applications is Monday, March 3, 2025.