Job Description

Head of Industry Control Transformation#

Location

Milton Keynes, GB#

Department Name

MH Operational Delivery (100005) G3#

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration:

Permanent, this role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered.

Location:

This role is based in Milton Keynes. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes of the office or be willing to self-relocate.

Band & Salary:

2C - 85,395 - 101,323 per annum (dependent upon experience)

#

Brief Description

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking professional to lead the development and delivery of national operational policies and strategies for Industry-wide Operations Controls across the rail sector. This pivotal role will provide national leadership in shaping and implementing strategies that enhance pan-industry communication during disruption and major events, strengthen weather resilience, and advance technology strategies. The successful candidate will drive the adoption of revised operating models, champion innovation, and oversee the delivery of a cohesive, industry-wide Control technology framework -- all with the ultimate goal of delivering improved outcomes for passengers.












#

About the role (External)

What does the average day look like?

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities in this nationally significant role. You'll spend your time shaping and delivering transformation strategies that strengthen how operations controls work across the entire rail industry -- not just within Network Rail, but extending across train operators, freight operators and national functions. You'll regularly engage with leaders from routes, regions, operators, and industry partners to develop policies and contingency plans that ensure the safe and reliable running of train services, even during periods of severe weather, industrial action or other disruption.


A typical day involves leading discussions that drive continuous improvement in both operational processes and technology, identifying opportunities for innovation that enhance industry-wide performance and resilience. You'll work closely with teams to embed best practice, develop integrated solutions, and refine the ways routes and controls collaborate -- particularly with the National Operations Centres in Milton Keynes and London.


At the heart of your role is a focus on enhancing how the industry communicates during disruption, ensuring passengers receive timely, clear, and accurate information. You'll also be leading the integration of weather resilience strategies into operational controls, ensuring the rail network is prepared to meet future challenges head-on. Regular engagement with senior stakeholders, both internal and external, will be key, as you provide expert leadership and assurance on incident management and strategic communication protocols.


Professional development is equally important. Each day you'll play a part in shaping the learning and progression journeys for controllers across the industry, supporting a high-performing and resilient workforce capable of delivering exceptional service for passengers now and in the future.

Essential Criteria

Membership of Institute of Railway Operators Member level Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience. Significant successful experience in operational management in a safety critical Industry Successful previous experience of incident management Extensive knowledge of the railway operating code, service recovery, contingency planning and railway operating and maintenance practices Significant knowledge of rail industry Able to demonstrate excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills. Proven ability to build cross functional / cross company relationships. Proven ability to influence decision making. Ability to attain Rail Incident Commander competence. Ability to gain appropriate assessor competence. Proven ability to lead transformation change in complex diverse organisations.




Please see attached job description for full details.

Closing date:

31st July 2025. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps:

Interviews will be held

week commencing

18th and 25th August 2025 in London, subject to diaries.

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.


Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.


Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.


Defined benefit pension scheme


75% subsidy on train tickets.


? Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.


? Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.


Plus more
.



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Head of Industry Control Transformation#

Location

Milton Keynes, GB#

Department Name

MH Operational Delivery (100005) G3#

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments

click here.

We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit

Evenbreaks Career Hive

for advice on accessibility support.



If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration:

Permanent, this role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered.

Location:

This role is based in Milton Keynes. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes of the office or be willing to self-relocate.

Band & Salary:

2C - 85,395 - 101,323 per annum (dependent upon experience)

#

Brief Description

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking professional to lead the development and delivery of national operational policies and strategies for Industry-wide Operations Controls across the rail sector. This pivotal role will provide national leadership in shaping and implementing strategies that enhance pan-industry communication during disruption and major events, strengthen weather resilience, and advance technology strategies. The successful candidate will drive the adoption of revised operating models, champion innovation, and oversee the delivery of a cohesive, industry-wide Control technology framework -- all with the ultimate goal of delivering improved outcomes for passengers.












#

About the role (External)

What does the average day look like?

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities in this nationally significant role. You'll spend your time shaping and delivering transformation strategies that strengthen how operations controls work across the entire rail industry -- not just within Network Rail, but extending across train operators, freight operators and national functions. You'll regularly engage with leaders from routes, regions, operators, and industry partners to develop policies and contingency plans that ensure the safe and reliable running of train services, even during periods of severe weather, industrial action or other disruption.


A typical day involves leading discussions that drive continuous improvement in both operational processes and technology, identifying opportunities for innovation that enhance industry-wide performance and resilience. You'll work closely with teams to embed best practice, develop integrated solutions, and refine the ways routes and controls collaborate -- particularly with the National Operations Centres in Milton Keynes and London.


At the heart of your role is a focus on enhancing how the industry communicates during disruption, ensuring passengers receive timely, clear, and accurate information. You'll also be leading the integration of weather resilience strategies into operational controls, ensuring the rail network is prepared to meet future challenges head-on. Regular engagement with senior stakeholders, both internal and external, will be key, as you provide expert leadership and assurance on incident management and strategic communication protocols.


Professional development is equally important. Each day you'll play a part in shaping the learning and progression journeys for controllers across the industry, supporting a high-performing and resilient workforce capable of delivering exceptional service for passengers now and in the future.

Essential Criteria

Membership of Institute of Railway Operators Member level Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience. Significant successful experience in operational management in a safety critical Industry Successful previous experience of incident management Extensive knowledge of the railway operating code, service recovery, contingency planning and railway operating and maintenance practices Significant knowledge of rail industry Able to demonstrate excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills. Proven ability to build cross functional / cross company relationships. Proven ability to influence decision making. Ability to attain Rail Incident Commander competence. Ability to gain appropriate assessor competence. Proven ability to lead transformation change in complex diverse organisations.




Please see attached job description for full details.











#

How to apply (External)

Contact:

If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.


All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Closing date:

31st July 2025. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps:

Interviews will be held

week commencing

18th and 25th August 2025 in London, subject to diaries.

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.


Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.


Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.


Defined benefit pension scheme


75% subsidy on train tickets.


? Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.


? Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.


Plus more
.



























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