Location
Blackfriars, GBDepartment Name
OE Head of Ops General Manager (103207) G1About 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.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Brief Description
Lead and oversee signalling, response and electrical control operations across Sussex Route, setting clear direction to deliver exceptional safety, performance and financial outcomes. This role provides senior technical and operational leadership, managing people, incidents, stakeholders and continuous improvement in a safety‑critical environment.
About the role (External)
Role Overview
Lead and shape signalling, response and electrical control operations across Sussex Route, setting clear direction to achieve demanding safety, performance and financial targets. You will work closely with customers (including GTR, London Overground and freight) and stakeholders to balance competing priorities, while championing a culture of continuous improvement, safety excellence and operational efficiency.
✅What You’ll Do
1. Act as the senior authority and subject‑matter expert for signalling, response and electrical operations, providing leadership and direction into business and industry operational standards and process change to promote and embed a strong, positive safety culture.
2. Lead, develop and inspire a highly skilled team of technical professionals, providing clear direction, visible leadership and motivation to safety‑critical frontline employees and supporting teams in the delivery of route and business objectives.
3. Develop, implement and maintain a robust governance and assurance framework, ensuring full compliance with company standards, relevant legislation and Network Rail’s Health & Safety Management System.
4. Take accountability for the management of operational and infrastructure incidents, ensuring incidents are accurately recorded, appropriately escalated, thoroughly investigated and driven through to resolution or mitigation.
5. Lead engagement with Train and Freight Operating Companies during perturbed operations, overseeing train performance impacts and assuring that investigations into incidents are completed effectively and outcomes delivered in a timely and competent manner.
6. Identify, develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives that drive enhancements in safety performance, train performance, organisational culture, customer satisfaction and unit cost efficiency.
7. Lead and direct the arrangements for briefings, competence assessments and assurance activities, ensuring effective systems are in place to demonstrate compliance with company competence management standards across the area.
8. Act as the Designated Competent Person (DCP) for both formal and local investigations within your span of control, reporting on accidents and incidents and leading investigations where required.
9. Develop, agree and manage the operational expenditure budget, demonstrating value for money through efficient working practices and effective control of operational costs.
10. Create and manage a sustainable resourcing strategy that meets efficiency targets and ensures the availability of competent, capable, well‑trained and engaged employees.
✅ We're looking for someone who can demonstrate the following essential & desirable criteria:
· Significant, demonstrable experience in operational management, with a strong track record of delivering against safety, performance and business objectives.
· Proven ability to lead, manage and develop people, creating high‑performing teams and fostering a positive, accountable culture.
· In‑depth knowledge of operational safety rules and regulations, with qualification to Level 1 Rules & Regulations.
· A detailed understanding of health and safety legislation and best practice, applied effectively within a safety‑critical environment.
· Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to negotiate effectively and make informed, balanced decisions.
· Substantial experience in customer relationship management, building productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
· A detailed understanding of the business process manual and the wider commercial environment in which operations are delivered.
· Thorough knowledge of trade union bargaining arrangements and employee terms and conditions, with experience of managing constructive industrial relations.
· Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence and credibility to challenge appropriately and influence at senior levels.
· A proven ability to work to tight deadlines and mandated processes, maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
· Demonstrable experience of providing technical leadership and developing others, supporting capability growth and succession planning.
·
Desirable criteria
· A sound understanding of the performance regime and its impact on operational delivery.
· Commercially and politically astute, with the ability to navigate complex organisational and stakeholder environments effectively.
· Qualified assessor and verifier in line with agreed company standards.
· Member of the Institute of Railway Operators.
How to apply (External)
Vacancy type: Permanent
Location: London Puddle Dock
Band & Salary: Band 2C £85,395-£101,323
Closing date: 8th May 2026. - Late applications will not be accepted.
There is an On Call commitment for this role.
Click apply now to apply.We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
✨ Defined benefit pension scheme.
🚂 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
🚂 Up to 75% off leisure travel.
🎟️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
🕊️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
❤ Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
🧸 We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
Plus, more….
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You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive 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.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more 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.****