Location Milton Keynes, GB Department Name System Operator About Network Rail 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. Location: This role is based in The Quadrant MK. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes. Band & Salary: Band 1C (£116,753 - £120,000) Brief Description Are you passionate about shaping the future of rail travel? We’re looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to join us as Head of Advanced Timetabling. In this role, you’ll guide expert teams, foster innovation, and work closely with a diverse range of industry partners to deliver meaningful improvements for passengers and freight customers. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who are committed to making a positive impact and driving progress in a supportive, inclusive environment. About The Role (External) About the team You will manage a team of around 130 colleagues alongside your leadership team, line managers and technical timetable development experts. Creating a supportive environment to offer plenty of opportunities to share knowledge, develop skills, and work together towards industry goals. What does the average day look like? As Head of Advanced Timetabling, your day will be varied and impactful. You’ll start byconnecting with your team—offering guidance, sharing updates, and ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed. Much of your time will be spent collaborating with colleagues across the business and engaging with external partners, such as government bodies, train operators, and industry groups, to align on priorities and share insights. You’ll review and oversee complex timetable analysis, using your expertise to solve challenges around capacity, performance, and engineering access. Strategic planning is a key part of your role, so you’ll regularly lead meetings to shape long-term projects and influence industry decisions. Mentoring and developing your team is central to your day, whether that’s through coaching, supporting professional growth, or fostering an inclusive and positive culture. You’ll also keep a close eye on targets—financial, technical, safety, and customer satisfaction—ensuring your team’s work delivers real value. No two days are the same, but you’ll always be at the heart of driving improvements, building relationships, and making a tangible difference to the future of rail travel. Who are we looking for? We’re seeking an experienced leader with a strong background in timetable planning and rail capacity analysis. You’ll be skilled at building relationships, influencing at a strategic level, and leading high-performing teams. If you’re passionate about driving positive change, collaborating across the industry, and supporting the development of others, we’d love to hear from you! Essential Criteria Advanced and demonstrable applied knowledge of timetable planning processes and the Network Code. Significant experience of the application of rail capacity and analysis tools and outputs. Expert knowledge of train service structure and operational, commercial and practical implications of implementing changes to the timetable. Experience of applying and leading teams to deliver within Rail Industry processes and regulatory frameworks. Experience of building industry awareness of timetable planning activities and processes in the rail industry. Proven ability to engage and build collaborative relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders at Director and Executive level. Ability to influence at a strategic level, including formulating and implementing business strategies. Proven capability to build and lead high performing and influential analytical teams, directly, virtually or through matrix management. How To Apply (External) Additional Information… Closing date: 6th January 2026. However, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes. Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 12 th January 2026, depending on business requirements. Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision 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 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….