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Full job description
Location
Derby, GB
Department Name
Operations & Customer Services
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – help shape a simpler, better, greener railway
We operate and maintain Britain’s railway infrastructure 24/7, 365 days a year so that services run safely and customers can rely on the railway.
We are recruiting to help deliver a safer, more reliable, more sustainable railway, aligned to CP7 modernisation, sustainability and efficiency.
- Emphasis on Putting Passengers First, improving performance and customer experience for passengers and freight.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
- 28 days annual leave (buy and/or sell up to 5 days)
- Contributory pension schemes, plus bonus potential
- Up to 75% subsidy on rail and Underground season tickets (for commuting)
- Privileged staff leisure travel (75% discount)
- Season ticket loan (annual season tickets discounted)
- 35-hour week with flexible working options
- Hybrid working and enhanced family-friendly support
- Discounts and offers (childcare, healthcare incl. club membership, cycle hire, online shopping)
- 5 days paid volunteering leave
- 2 weeks paid reserve forces leave (Armed Forces community)
Brief Description
About the role
Manage train services to deliver the agreed plan in normal operations and during disruption-minimising customer impact and supporting safe, efficient performance across the route.
About the role (External)
What does the average day look like?
1. Deliver the best possible train service in both normal operations and disruption—balancing the needs of passengers, freight and industry partners.
2. Oversee the safe, efficient running of trains across the route infrastructure.
3. Make proactive regulating decisions using control systems and real-time information; spot emerging issues early and act to minimise delay, liaising with signallers and train operators as needed.
4. Work with the Incident Controller during disruption, acting as the key liaison with train operators on the route and other control centres.
5. Create and agree service recovery plans during disruption, coordinating with train operators on resourcing and delivery.
6. Maintain an accurate daily log of train running and incidents using the relevant systems, in line with company standards and instructions.
7. Plan VSTP train movements up to 48 hours ahead, maintaining a library of commonly used timetable paths for consistency.
8. Escalate recurring short-notice movement requests to the Train Planning Manager for consideration in the permanent timetable.
To excel in this position, we are looking for candidates who possess the following qualities and qualifications:
Essential
- Strong knowledge of operating procedures, rules and regulations (with demonstrable experience)
- Experience in a control environment or operational control role
- Working understanding of the route timetable
- Knowledge of Train Operating Company structures and routes
- Good geographical knowledge of the relevant route
- Competent with Microsoft Office and control-specific systems (e.g., TMV, TRUST, TRUST DA, TOPS, GENIUS, CCIL, ATOS Intergrale VSTP, Tyrell I/O messaging & other railway control systems
- Strong teamwork and sound, objective decision-making
- Ability to influence stakeholders and perform well under pressure
- General understanding of the commercial and operational context across Network Rail and train operators
- Knowledge of Train Service Contingency and Recovery Plans
It would be advantageous, but not essential, to have/to be:
(Desirable)
- Working knowledge of the GSMR communications system and how to use it correctly
- Geographical knowledge of adjoining routes
How to apply (External)
Salary : CONTROLLER 2 £70,594
Closing date: 8th May 2026. 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.
To apply, select Apply now. We’ll review applications and contact shortlisted candidates to arrange an interview.
What does our recruitment process look like?
After you apply, the Recruitment Specialist and hiring manager will review your CV and application.
If your experience matches what we’re looking for, the Resourcing Team will contact you to arrange an interview.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer and can offer reasonable adjustments throughout the process. For accessibility advice, visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive (or add a note to your application).
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 Sentinel 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.
