Network Operations Director
Who We Are
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Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria
This busy region sees 1\.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.
In the North West \& Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.
If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion \- Network Rail.
About the role
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What will you be doing?
The North West Route is looking for leaders who can integrate customer, operational, commercial, and cultural priorities across the entire railway system while delivering clear, accountable outcomes in the transition to Great British Rail.
In this new role to the organisation, you will have a fantastic opportunity to lead network operations for North West Route including our train service control, our future operations strategy, performance and planning functions. You will be accountable for meeting defined safety, performance and financial objectives whilst balancing the interests of key customers and stakeholders and driving continuous improvement in operational projects and capability. Whilst this will be challenging, it will be professionally rewarding.
About the role
No two days will be the same in this dynamic leadership role. You will lead control operations, providing strategic direction on train service management. Ensuring customer outcomes are at the forefront, through compliance with policies and effective incident and disaster management, managing relationships with key stakeholders including BTP, DfT and Train Operating Companies.
You'll lead the development and delivery of the route's train performance strategy, using data\-driven insights to drive continuous improvement and maximise customer outcomes. Working collaboratively across Network Rail and industry partners to enhance overall performance.
You'll also develop and implement an integrated route plan, aligning performance, operational, and business objectives while managing risks and opportunities.
Driving operational performance, financial targets, and safety outcomes through leadership of planning and performance teams will be a key part of the role as well as building capability across teams, leading training, development, and operational standards.
You will act as Designated Competent Person (DCP) for investigations and incident reporting and champion safety, environmental standards, and continuous improvement culture.ted Competent Person (DCP) for investigations and incident reporting and champion safety, environmental standards, and continuous improvement culture.
How to apply
We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace \- skills and talents we need in our business .
Salary and benefits:
Salary: Band 1C, starting at £116,753 and increasing to £146,591 plus car allowance
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus bank holidays \*contract type dependant), 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. (Discretionary)
- 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
- 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
Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework , any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre\-employment checks. .
Closing date: 31 st May 2026 . Late applications may not be accepted.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .
We are strengthening how we assess senior talent to set our Region up for success. Depending on the role, selection may go beyond traditional competency interviews. We will focus on your ability to demonstrate inclusive leadership and lead effectively through change as we transition to Great British Railways. Where possible we will offer a diverse interview panel for this role.
Your experience and skills
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In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:
- Proven experience of operating in a leadership role in a safety critical organisation
- Member of relevant professional body or relevant experience
- Previous experience in a leadership role with a strong customer focus and stakeholder management
- In depth knowledge of rail industry of performance processes, regimes and procedures
- Proven ability to influence cross functional and cross company relationships
- Experience of directing successful programmes, incorporating programme governance, using appropriate techniques and controls
- Experience of leading financial and commercially focussed industries
- Can demonstrate clear critical thinking and communication skills.
- Understanding of NR contractual matrix
- Able to demonstrate understanding of Network Code \& Track Access conditions
- Able to demonstrate understanding of NR safety management system
Key Information
Vacancy Details
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Number of Positions:1
Contract Type:Permanent
Hours:Full Time
Salary:£116,753 \- £146,591
Location:Manchester
Geographical Area:North West England
Closing Date:31\-MAY\-2026
Job Category:Exec/Board Member roles
Function:North West \& Central Region
Organisation:OU Director Network Operations NW HQ (105005\) G2
Location Map
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This listing is from indeed. View original listing ↗