Local Operations Manager

Who We Are

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

Salary- £65,912 (Location Complexity-HIGH) with 10% operations allowance

Closing Date- 31st July 2026

For further assistance with your application with email WesternResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.

What's in it for you

Here are a few of the benefits we offer

28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days

Choice of pension schemes

75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family

Private Healthcare

5 days paid volunteer or carers leave

Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel

Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK

My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount

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 and we'll do our best to assist you.

Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

We positively embrace flexible working recognising that employees may wish to balance work and family/home life.

In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.

At Network Rail we promote a diverse and inclusive organisation. We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team to support black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact Wales&WesternCulturalFusion@networkrail.co.uk

Your experience and skills

You will-

Manage the leadership and direction of the local operations team acting as a role model and mentor, implementing NR policies professionally and efficiently.

As required, undertake the role of Rail Incident Officer (RIO), overseeing that the command structure is set up and lead the coordination of the infrastructure and service restoration activities.

Liaise with relevant customers internal and external i.e. maintenance and TOC's, FOC's to develop and maintain effective relationships.

Manage the local operation resources and budgets to deliver the day-to-day train service including during times of perturbation.

Implement pre-agreed delivery and contingency plans to maximise train performance.

Support and manage locally the development of local emergency plans, delivering consistency and in line with route requirements.

Proactively monitor and intervene on proposed maintenance activities in order to deliver train service performance.

Manage and deliver a controllable Opex budget and work within procurement rules

Implement and comply with the relevant procedures from the Operations Manual, the Rule Book and applicable elements of OHSM and the SSM

Manage and deliver the competency assessment processes.

Manage and direct resources in response to all accidents and incidents affecting infrastructure, in conjunction with Network Rail Control.

In conjunction with Network Rail Control and the Operations Manager, manage and oversee the real time-co-ordination of the Mobile Operations Managers so that they are strategically placed to cover the area in times of service disruption.

Specify, allocate and maintain vehicles and response equipment. Monitor that the vehicles and response equipment are efficiently specified, allocated, maintained and fit for purpose.

14. If competent, work signal boxes as directed.

Essential

Ability to lead, manage and develop people

Ability to attain rules and regulations level 2 competency

Ability to gain appropriate assessor competence

Ability to attain Rail Incident Officer

Decision making skills, assertiveness

Understanding of customer needs and requirements

Organising and Planning

Hold full driving license

Ability to gain appropriate box competencies *

Desirable

Understanding financial systems and budgets.

Commercial awareness

IT skills in relation to report writing, corporate IM packages.

General understanding in business improvement processes.

General understanding of railway industry structure and responsibility.

Ability to engage in employee relation issues.

Experience of investigatory skills (Root Cause Analysis)

denotes post holder must attain relevant competency prior to carrying out activity

Please be aware this role holds a mandatory requirement for the incumbent to hold valid security vetting clearance. Any offer will be conditional on the successful candidate obtaining clearance prior to a start date being agreed.

If you have lived outside of the UK in the last 3 years and have been invited to interview for this role, please notify us

Key Information

Vacancy Details

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Salary:

£43,588 - £69,839

Location:

Didcot Thames Valley Signalling Centre, Didcot

Closing Date:

31-JUL-2026

Job Category:

Operations

Function:

Wales & Western Region

Organisation:

OW LOM TVSC Link 2 Signalling (102171) G5

Location Map