Job Description

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Location

Gravesend, GB#

Department Name

CT NR (High Speed) Ltd - Section Manager Track Maintenance (989122) G1#

About Network Rail

Join our Team at Network Rail High Speed - (Operative Track Maintenance )

Who we are

Network Rail High Speed Ltd. (NRHS) is responsible for operating and maintaining the UK's only international high-speed railway, High Speed (HS1).


The 109km HS1 infrastructure consists of a diverse range of railway assets such as the track, signalling, overhead line, lineside buildings, depots, viaducts and long tunnels. NRHS is also responsible for operating and maintaining three international stations; St Pancras, Ebbsfleet and Stratford International.


As a wholly owned subsidiary of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, NRHS is privately financed under an agreement with our client 'HS1 Ltd', undertaking a diverse range of activities from railway infrastructure maintenance and operations - through to station facilities management and retail on behalf of our client.

Our Vision - to deliver the best High Speed rail customer experience.

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/network-rail-high-speed/

Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter.When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.

Watch our video to find out more!

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Brief Description

The role

We are excited to be introducing an Operative Track Maintenance into our Singlewell team.


You'll help keep our nation moving every single day.


A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As an Operative you'll work in a small team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.


Our Operative community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you've even considered a career in rail. We're focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network.


And if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.

As part of the application process for an Operative, all applicants are required to complete some pre-screening questions. These questions require time and concentration so please prepare for this accordingly, ensuring you read each question carefully before responding.

This is a permanent position, so come and be part of a truly unique business that brings the UK closer to Europe.




Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process -

We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.


We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer 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.

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About the role (External)

The person

Operatives specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you'll become a specialist in

Track:

You'll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting and repairing the track network (also known as the Permanent Way or P-Way) to keep the railway safe and efficient. This is a very manual role as you'll be working with rails, sleepers and ballast that support the trains, together with their associated drainage and ancillary structures.

Our Operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You'll be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit across tricky terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you'll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. You're the one who shows up first and leaves last, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site. Every day you'll support your team in maintaining equipment and will provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.

You matter to us

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we'll provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you're joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's Technicians and Team Leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.

Your skills matter

Our Operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don't necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following:

Teamworking -

our maintenance teams depend on each other and you'll be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.

Communication

- you'll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.

Proactive planning -

being punctual, having the van and equipment ready and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.

Working under pressure -

working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you'll need to remain calm under pressure.

Following rules and instructions -

it is important that you understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.

Willingness to learn

- you'll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.

It matters that this is the right role for you.

Here's some additional information which might help you.

Shifts

Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.

Outdoor working

- Our Operatives work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different conditions.

Safe working

- offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.

Driving

- As an Operative you'll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.

Commute times

- You'll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you're applying for.

Essential Criteria

Experience of working in an environment where safety is vital Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends

A team player

Keen to develop new skills

Good communication skills, both in person and in writing

Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions

(all applicants)

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How to apply (External)

The important stuff

What can we offer you in return?

We follow a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the following pay range:


Grade: Maintenance - 30439 (Plus outer London allowance)


In addition, we can offer you a rewarding career with excellent benefits, including:


Bonus scheme Excellent choice of pension schemes

75% subsidy on rail season tickets (including London underground)

75% off leisure rail travel for you and your family

'my benefits' - our discounted online shopping site

Training, development and employee assistance programme available

Two weeks paid reserve leave for our armed forces community

5 days paid volunteering leave

Closing Date :

22nd October 2025

If you have been referred for a job vacancy in the Southern region of Network Rail, please complete the form below:

Employee Referral Form



If you are successful in your application, you may be required to go through a security vetting process (depending on the role).



We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We want our employees to reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We welcome different and fresh ways of thinking and encourage a culture where people feel empowered to act and we would consider flexible working.

Closing date and application process

The closing date will be 21st November 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. Network Rail High Speed retains the right to close the advert early depending on application volume. This role is also advertised externally,

Drugs and Alcohol Standard

All prospective 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 Sentinel 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 Evenbreaks Career Hive 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.