Route Control Manager

Network Rail

The Role

Overview

Lead daily train operations, safety, incident response and control team performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • incident command
  • team leadership
  • operations control
  • process improvement
  • safety management
  • contingency planning

Tasks

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

Requirements

  • track safety
  • network rail
  • operational rules
  • security clearance
  • team leadership
  • strategic decision

What You Bring

-Excellent geographical knowledge of the relevant route. -Must hold relevant track safety competence. -In-depth knowledge of Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, and their business operations. -Strong strategic decision-making and negotiation skills. -Knowledge of adjoining routes. -Experience in a safety-critical communications environment. -Proven experience leading teams in a control, logistics, or operations environment. -Security clearance required (e.g., for running special trains). -Understanding of operational rules, regulations, and performance regimes. -Ability to manage conflict, influence others, and perform under pressure.

Benefits

-2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community -Privileged staff travel – Leisure travel discount of 75% -A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train -Hybrid working and enhanced family-friendly support -Access to a range of contributory pension schemes and the potential to top up your competitive salary with a bonus -Take advantage of childcare vouchers, healthcare offers (including discounted healthcare club membership), discounted cycle hire, and online shopping sites -We can offer you a season ticket loan; annual season tickets are discounted. -28 days annual leave – with the opportunity to buy and/or sell up to 5 days -A 35-hour-per-week contract with flexible working options available to help support your work-life balance -5 days of paid volunteering leave

The Company

About Network Rail

-Responsible for managing the country’s railway infrastructure, playing a vital role in the UK's transport system. -Ensures the safe passage of trains through its management of critical railway assets. -Origins date back to 2002, when the rail infrastructure was brought into public ownership. -Based in Milton Keynes, it is a crucial player in delivering major transportation projects. -Typical projects include track renewal, station modernization, and large-scale electrification efforts. -Oversees one of the world’s most complex and busiest rail networks, with significant investment in improving connectivity across the UK. -Focuses on maintaining safety and operational efficiency through cutting-edge technology and engineering solutions. -Collaborates with train operators and local authorities to ensure seamless travel experiences for passengers. -Delivers the High Speed 2 (HS2) project, set to revolutionize rail travel in the UK. -Committed to improving sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of rail transport.

Sector Specialisms

Marketing

Human Resources

IT

Logistics

Project Management

Finance

Property

Legal

Business Strategy

Telecommunications

Signalling

Electrification Control Systems

Train Radio Systems

Lineside Communications

Level Crossing CCTV

Station Information Systems

Security Systems

Transmission Systems

Fibre Optic and Copper Cable Networks

Analogue Radio Networks

Mobile Communication Applications

Safety and Compliance

Fire Safety

System Engineering

Infrastructure Maintenance

Civil Engineering

Interview Process

-cv reviewed by recruitment specialist and hiring manager -shortlisted candidates invited to interview -reasonable adjustments offered for disability‑confident applicants

Security Clearance

-security vetting clearance required (e.g., for special trains) -must hold relevant track safety competence -mandatory drugs and alcohol test; positive result results in 5‑year suspension -completion of pre‑employment checks before offer