Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter

Network Rail is dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. Employees are part of an organisation that plays a vital role in supporting millions of journeys every day and delivering a safe, reliable and connected railway network.

The organisation believes its people are at the heart of everything it does, with every role contributing to building a better and more connected railway.

Network Rail is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities it serves. The organisation values flexibility and recognises the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, Network Rail is committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and providing reasonable adjustments where required.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail, and applicants should be able to demonstrate an awareness of the organisation’s safety vision and commitment to keeping people safe.

About the Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing train services across the network, helping to deliver the agreed train plan during both normal operations and periods of disruption.

Working closely with signallers and Train Operating Companies, they will monitor performance, make timely operational decisions to minimise customer impact and support effective service recovery, ensuring passengers and freight continue to move safely and efficiently across the network.

Salary: Controller.3 – £68,352 per annum

Closing Date: 2 October 2026

Interviews: Expected to take place during the week commencing 19 October 2026.

What’s in it for You?

Network Rail offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• 28 days’ annual leave, with the option to buy and sell additional days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discount on leisure rail travel for employees and their families
• Private healthcare
• Five days’ paid volunteering or carers’ leave
• Up to 75% subsidised rail and underground travel
• GymPass access to gyms across the UK
• My Benefits platform offering national and local retail discounts

Network Rail aims to ensure every candidate has a positive recruitment experience. Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process are encouraged to make this known so that appropriate support can be provided.

Some roles require face-to-face Drugs and Alcohol testing. Further details will be provided as part of any formal offer.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Experience and Skills

Key Accountabilities

The successful candidate will:

• Work during both normal train running and disruptive events to deliver the optimum service that meets the needs of passengers and the wider rail industry.
• Manage the safe and efficient operation of train services across the route infrastructure.
• Make proactive train regulation decisions using control systems and operational information to identify potential disruption and minimise delays.
• Work closely with the Incident Controller to manage train service delivery during periods of disruption, acting as a key liaison with Train Operating Companies and other control centres.
• Develop and implement service recovery plans during disruption, working with train operators to ensure appropriate resources are available.
• Maintain a daily log of train running information and operational events in accordance with company standards and procedures.
• Undertake planning of Very Short-Term Planning (VSTP) train movements for up to 48 hours ahead and maintain a library of regularly used timetable slots.
• Identify recurring requests for short-term train movements and recommend these for inclusion within the permanent timetable.

Essential Criteria

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Knowledge and practical experience of railway operating procedures, rules and regulations.
• Operational experience within a control environment or railway operations role.
• Understanding of the route timetable.
• Knowledge of Train Operating Company structures and routes.
• Good geographical knowledge of the relevant route.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and control-specific systems including CCF, TMIS, TRUST, TRUST DA, TOPS, SHEILA, GENIUS, Crews in Genius, P2v2, Nexus Alpha and Alpha Page, or similar communications systems.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to make objective decisions.
• The ability to influence others and perform effectively under pressure.
• A general understanding of the commercial and business environment within Network Rail and Train Operating Companies.
• Knowledge of Train Service Recovery Plans.

Desirable Criteria

• Working knowledge of the NRN system and its correct use.
• Geographical knowledge of adjoining routes.