Operations Director

Who We Are
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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
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A career\-defining executive opportunity to lead one of the UK's most important rail operations

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 \- Full\-Time Permanent

Salary \- Starting at £116,753

Grade \- Band 1C

Here are a few of the benefits we offer:

• 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

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know\-we'll do our best to assist you.

What does our recruitment process look like?

• 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.

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.

\*\*\*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: .

Your experience and skills
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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.

Key Information

Vacancy Details
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Number of Positions:1
Contract Type:Permanent
Hours:Full Time
Salary:£116,753 \- £146,591
Location:London
Geographical Area:Eastern England
Closing Date:04\-JUN\-2026
Job Category:Exec/Board Member roles
Function:Eastern Region
Organisation:OA EM Head of Operations (118651\) G4

Location Map
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This listing is from indeed. View original listing ↗