Job Description

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
We're proud to be named as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equity for the fourth year running.
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria
This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.
We champion diversity and inclusion, creating safe, innovative workplaces. We also support flexible and hybrid working - if it works, we'll make it happen. .
Brief Description
Play a vital role in keeping the country moving.
Maintaining the rail network is a key part of what we do every day. As a railway Operative, you'll work outdoors as part of a close-knit team, carrying out essential maintenance on the tracks to ensure trains run safely and reliably for both passengers and freight.
Our operatives come from all walks of life-this could be your first time considering a role in the rail industry. We value transferable skills and the right attitude above all. If you can bring those, we'll provide the training you need to work safely and confidently out on the network.
About the role (External)
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.
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. Today's Operatives are tomorrow's Technicians and we offer a clear career path for you.
Your skills matter
Teamworking - Our maintenance teams rely on your hard work and you will play an important role within the team. Being able to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work is vital.
Communication - A variety of clear communication skills to deliver instructions to the team and other colleagues are essential so work can be completed safely and effectively.
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 have knowledge of Track inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques to follow daily work instructions. Being familiar with maintenance standards and procedures would be advantageous.
Technical skills - you must have technical knowledge of the discipline you are applying for and know about construction management processes. Systems and standards would be advantageous, as well as previously achieved (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or gained through equivalent relevant experience, will help you excel in the role.
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.
How to apply (External)
Salary and benefits:
Salary: 31,444

• Pro-rata annual leave entitlement
• My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
• A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• 75% discount on leisure travel
• A choice of contributory pension schemes
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community

Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer?
Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
28th July 2025. Assessment Centre's will take place in Manchester on 11th August. We reserve the right to close the advert early if there is a high number of applicants.
Click 'apply now' to apply.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our
We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.
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.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****