Job Description

It is not just a celebration, though - it's a commitment to continue delivering a simpler, better, greener railway. Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system.
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7, 365 days a year. From the first passenger railway in 1825 to today's AI-driven predictive maintenance, the rail industry has continuously evolved. Now, as we enter Network Rail's Control Period 7 (CP7), the focus is on modernisation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. To find out more about the East Midlands route,
We're passionate about great service and commit to our service equation vision by "Putting Passengers First". Performance, safety and getting the fundamental basics right is something we strive for, as well as asking ourselves - what can we do to put our passengers and freight users at the centre of everything we do?
Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. to watch our inspiring video to learn more about us!
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments 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 for advice on accessibility support.
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
28 days annual leave - with the opportunity to buy and/or sell up to 5 days
Access to a range of contributory pension schemes and the potential to top up your competitive salary with a bonus
A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train
Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75%
We can offer you a season ticket loan; annual season tickets are discounted.
A 35-hour-per-week contract with flexible working options available to help support your work-life balance
Hybrid working and enhanced family-friendly support
Take advantage of childcare vouchers, healthcare offers (including discounted healthcare club membership), discounted cycle hire, and online shopping sites
5 days of paid volunteering leave
2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community
Discover more at
Brief Description
Step into a key leadership role at the core of the rail network. We're seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Route Control Manager to oversee the safe, smooth, and timely execution of the daily train service. In this high-impact position, you'll play a crucial part in reducing disruption, enhancing customer experience, and upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
What You'll Do

• Lead Operations: Oversee the daily train plan, ensuring smooth running and effective management during both routine and disruptive events.
• Incident Management: Act as Gold Command during major incidents, providing strategic direction and managing the major incident room.
• Safety Leadership: Champion safety standards, manage safety of the line incidents, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing control team, disseminating safety-critical information and maintaining robust incident reporting systems.
• Contingency Planning: Develop and implement contingency plans to minimise delays and cancellations.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive process integration and operational excellence within the control environment.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with train operators and key industry partners to deliver outstanding service.
Please be aware this role holds a mandatory requirement for the incumbent to hold valid security vetting clearance. Any offer will be conditional on the successful candidate obtaining clearance prior to a start date being agreed.
If you have lived outside of the UK in the last 3 years and have been invited to interview for this role, please notify us.
For further information including residency eligibility, please contact your recruiter for more details.
About the role (External)
What We're Looking For
Essential:

• Proven experience leading teams in a control, logistics, or operations environment.
• Strong strategic decision-making and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage conflict, influence others, and perform under pressure.
• In-depth knowledge of Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, and their business operations.
• Understanding of operational rules, regulations, and performance regimes.
• Excellent geographical knowledge of the relevant route.

Desirable:

• Experience in a safety-critical communications environment.
• Knowledge of adjoining routes.

Key Requirements

• This is a key safety post and a safety-critical work post.
• Security clearance required (e.g., for running special trains).
• Must hold relevant track safety competence.

If you're ready to lead from the front, ensure the safe and reliable delivery of train services, and make a difference every day, we want to hear from you!
How to apply (External)
Salary: Band 3C 55,596 - 70,934 depending on experience.
Closing date: 25th November 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 may not be accepted.
We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. We pride ourselves on creating safe and welcoming workplaces with fair cultures that encourage innovative and fresh ways of thinking. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by .
What does our recruitment process look like?
Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist & the hiring manager will look at your CV.
If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be contacted by our Resourcing Team and invited to an interview.
We're a 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.
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.
To apply for this role, click 'apply now.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
All prospective candidates offered a prospective role 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 drug and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on the 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.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Skills Required