Who We Are
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.
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.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
About The Role
What You'll Lead
* Lead route operations with full accountability for safety, performance and financial outcomes
* Set strategic direction for operational delivery and align priorities across senior stakeholders
* Provide calm, visible and decisive leadership during incidents, disruption and emergency response
* Build an inclusive, high‑performing leadership culture where people and standards can thrive
* Drive continuous improvement in operational excellence, customer outcomes and long‑term resilience
* Shape business plans, strengthen strategic partnerships and influence decisions across the network
What You'll Bring
You may already be operating at executive level, or you may be a senior leader ready for a broader, more visible remit. What matters most is your ability to lead safely in a complex environment, inspire high‑performing teams, make sound decisions and deliver results through collaboration, clarity and credibility. The criteria below set out what is critical for success in the role, alongside additional strengths that would further enhance your impact.
Role details
* Role – Full‑time Permanent
* Salary – Starting at £116,753
* Grade – Band 1C
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* Choice of competitive pension schemes
* Discounted leisure train travel for you and your family
* Private healthcare
* 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets
* 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
* My Benefits platform – giving national and local discounts on retailers, gym membership and more
Recruitment Process
* Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV.
* If your experience matches what we’re looking for, you’ll be invited to an interview.
Additional information
Some of our roles require face‑to‑face drugs & alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.
PLEASE NOTE
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks: Click here for more information.
Your Experience And Skills
Critical for success – your must‑have expertise
* Chartered member of a relevant professional body, or equivalent experience
* Significant successful experience in operational management within a safety‑critical industry
* Recognised operational delivery leadership capability
* Able to demonstrate in‑depth knowledge and experience of health and safety management and compliance management processes
* Proven ability to influence decision‑making and build cross‑functional, cross‑company relationships
* Proven track record of customer relationship management
* Significant knowledge of the rail industry
* Successful experience of managing business unit financials
* Able to demonstrate understanding of the NR safety management system
Additional Strengths – Advantageous Experience
* In‑depth understanding of the railway industry, its needs and interfaces
* Knowledge of relevant standards and procedures
If you feel you can bring the leadership, judgement and operational credibility to succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not match every point exactly.
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