Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We are an organisation where people matter. When you are part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.
In the North West & Central Region, we are 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 do not 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 our Route
Central Route is the Heart of Britain's Railway. More than a million people rely on our route every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.
We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.
We are seeking an experienced performance leader to manage a high performing team and drive route level train performance improvements delivering tangible results across our railway. In this role, you will lead the development of our route Performance Improvement Plans and manage their delivery through robust, well resourced milestone plans.
You will work collaboratively with our train operators to develop Joint Performance Strategies which seek to achieve the joint industry ambition of delivering 90% Time to 3 and 2% Cancellations in the next three years.
You will act as the guardian of overall industry performance for the route, working closely with other Network Rail functions and our train operators to jointly review, analyse and challenge performance. Through strong insight, credibility and constructive challenge, you will hold partners to account and ensure a relentless focus on sustainable performance improvement.
As the focal point for performance leadership across the route, you will provide expert advice and guidance on all train performance matters. You will influence at senior levels, support operational teams, and help foster a strong, collaborative performance culture across the industry.
You will lead the end to end delivery of the delay attribution process, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements, including the Delay Attribution Principals & Rules and the dispute resolution framework. Working effectively with operators at all levels, you will resolve attribution disputes fairly, consistently and efficiently.
As we move towards the transition into Great British Railways, a key part of this role will be to review and develop the future capability of an integrated performance team. You will work in collaboration with our train operators to help shape the roles, skills and technology which will help deliver better train performance outcomes.
How to apply:
Salary: starting from £71,163 raising to £86,801 per annum. Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
Please note this is a 12 month fixed term contract opportunity.
Closing date : 24/07/2026 . Late applications will not be accepted.
Some of our many benefits:
- 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
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a range of pre-employment checks.
We're a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
What we're looking for...
We're looking for someone who is motivated by making a real impact and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:
- Member of relevant professional body or equivalent experience
- In depth knowledge of train performance processes, regimes and procedures
- Significant knowledge of rail industry and understanding of delivering customer satisfaction
- Successful experience in a strategic role
- Proven ability to influence cross functional and cross company relationships
- Able to demonstrate high numeracy and analytical skills
- Proven ability to lead and develop a broad team and deliver to tight timescales
- Commercially astute, persuasive and customer focussed
- Able to demonstrate effective leadership, interpersonal and communications skills
- Understanding of Six Sigma principles
Alongside this, it would be great if you also have:
- Understanding of contractual matrix
