Job Description

Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.
We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.
Our colleagues are encouraged to work flexibly as we know that busy lives don't always fit around a traditional working pattern, if you need flexibility to complete your role just let us know and we will do our upmost to help you to invest in your career with us while balancing other aspects of your life.
We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone. .
Brief Description
Proactively leading a diverse team, you will be at the forefront of ensuring operational safety and efficient train services across an assigned section of the line - from maintenance, to signals and crossings.
Please Note: This role requires the incumbent to hold security vetting, no start date or hire should be progressed until the required vetting clearance has been obtained. For further information, please contact NationalSecurityVetting@Networkrail.co.uk
About the role (External)
Managing the day-to-day performance of a local operations team, you'll make sure operational safety and train services are delivered to the highest standards along a particular section of the line. Accountable for implementing policies and plans, managing resources and budgets, you will be instrumental to maximising train performance. We'll expect you to take a proactive approach, monitoring and intervening on proposed maintenance activities, and managing the development of local emergency plans.
Safety is among our highest priorities, and you will be instrumental to ensuring a safer railway. You will help to ensure we meet the very highest standards within an exacting regulatory environment. To achieve a safer railway for all, you will manage and develop a diverse team including Mobile Operations Managers, Controllers, Signallers and Crossing staff.
Crucially, you'll be an inspiring and engaging leader. Your team will see you as a role model and mentor. You'll forge strong relationships with colleagues and customers, including train and freight operating companies. Taking on the role of Rail Incident Officer, you'll oversee the establishment of a command structure, and lead the co-ordination of mobile infrastructure and service restoration activities. You'll also manage key assets including vehicles and tools.
Essential Criteria
The ability or potential to lead, manage and develop people
Strong decision making and planning skills
An assertive and engaging approach
Ready to attain Rail Incident Officer status, Rules and Regulations Level 2 competency, assessor competence, and appropriate signal box competencies where required
A full driving licence
Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions
Desirable Criteria
Committed to understanding and meeting customers' needs
General understanding of railway industry structure and responsibility
General understanding in business improvement processes and investigatory skills
You may also be required to carry out signalling duties as part of your LOM role, and therefore may be invited to undertake a signalling assessment as part of your application.
How to apply (External)
Salary: 62,009.00
Network Rail Benefits -
Closing date: 7th July 2025
Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.
Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.
We're dedicated to creating an and we welcome applications from everyone!
Network Rail is a and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits -
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard
All successful candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.