Senior Designer

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Customer & Commercial
SALARY:45428 - 52000 / Grade: ML1/SB3
ROLE TYPE:Permanent
LOCATION: York or Leeds
HOURS:37

This is a landmark moment for brand and advertising graphic design at Northern.

Were building something new at Northern an in-house design studio that will transform how we bring our brand to life. As Senior Designer youll be instrumental in making it happen.

This is a hands-on creative role. Youll spend most of your time designing creating compelling work across print digital social and environmental touchpoints. But youll also set our creative direction establish design standards and lead a small team alongside your own output.

Working within our Customer and Commercial team youll translate business challenges into powerful design solutions collaborate with senior stakeholders and prove through your work that great design makes a measurable difference.

This is your opportunity to shape how design works at Northern whilst building a portfolio of work that reaches thousands of customers across our network every day.

What youll be doing

• Setting creative vision and strategy for Northerns new design studio aligned to our commercial goals and brand values.
• Acting as guardian of the Northern brand from tone of voice to visual systems with the confidence to evolve standards where needed.
• Leading coaching and developing a small design team creating a culture of quality curiosity and collaboration.
• Partnering with senior stakeholders across the business to shape campaigns challenge briefs and provide trusted creative counsel.
• Planning and prioritising studio work managing capacity and making sure the right resources are on the right jobs.
• Approving creative output from both internal designers and external agencies ensuring consistency accessibility and value for money.
• Demonstrating the studios impact through clear tracking reporting and measurable return on investment.
• Championing innovation from new design approaches to emerging technologies including AI to improve how the studio works.
• Embedding strong processes workflows and quality assurance so great ideas land brilliantly every time.

About you

This role needs someone who can balance creative ambition with practical delivery and bring people with them along the way.

Youll bring:

• Significant experience in senior design roles either agency-side client-side or both.
• A strong portfolio that shows strategic thinking as well as exceptional craft.
• Proven experience leading mentoring and developing designers.
• Confidence translating business objectives into creative strategies that deliver results.
• Deep knowledge of brand typography tone of voice and accessible design.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite with experience in tools like Figma XD or After Effects.
• The ability to present influence and challenge at senior leadership level.
• Experience managing agencies and ensuring high standards and commercial value.
• A proactive organised approach comfortable juggling priorities in a fast-paced environment.

If youve worked in transport travel or large multi-site organisations thats a bonus but not essential.

Whats in it for you

At Northern we dont just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Heres 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 electric 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 youre in.

Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. Thats why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern

Were more than just a train operator. Were the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities creating opportunities and driving sustainable growth. With 2500 trains running daily were 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. 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 dont just move people from A to B - were building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if thats something you need. Were also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role well 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 theres a place for you here in the railway.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment forthis role before the published closing date if high volumes of applicationsare received