At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain and operate our network. Now is a fantastic time and join our team in Wales and Western region as we finalise the reforms to our maintenance organisation which will deliver:
- A safer and more reliable and punctual service for passengers and employees - quicker fault fixes by more agile multi-disciplined response teams.
- Individual rostering - enabling us to send the right number or people to fix a fault.
- Multi-skilling - investing in the knowledge and skills of our people so they are better equipped to fix the most common faults themselves.
- Accelerated and improved technology deployment - we have a raft of labour and life-saving technology ready to be rolled out.
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're an organisation where people matter. When your part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions. Watch our video to find out more!
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We look for opportunities to offer great opportunities to learn and grow through personal and professional development. And, if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.
We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone. For more information about Network Rail click here
Overview
As an Operations Delivery Manager you will manage the safe and effective delivery of Route Engineering Access plans through all aspects of pre, real time and post possession delivery and associated activities, minimising Route exposure to Schedule 8. You will lead the first response and subsequent investigation into all possession related incidents, providing comprehensive reporting on all possession safety and delivery activities.
Your Main Responsibilities will be to
- Lead a strong, challenging safety culture throughout all aspects of possession delivery activities including, but not limited to, PICOP briefings, competency assessment and possession assurance audits.
- Lead, direct and manage all in house and contracted possession management staff, acting as a role model and mentor, implementing Network Rail policies professionally and efficiently.
- Lead investigations into all possession related incidents/operational close calls, liaising and supporting with all Works Deliverers, Operational staff and possession delivery stakeholders.
- Manage the safe and efficient delivery of all possession plans.
- Manage possession delivery teams to minimise exposure to Schedule 8, facilitating right time service start up including contingency plans.
- Manage compliance of possession management teams, buildings, vehicles and equipment in line with relevant company standards rules and regulations.
- Support the development and validation of the Route Engineering Access plan through the planning process.
- Produce all safety critical and delivery documentation for possession management activities as required to optimise safe and effective use of access opportunities.
- Provide accurate and comprehensive possession reporting to works deliverers, operational staff and key stakeholders to enable continuous improvement.
- Promote a proactive continuous improvement culture, sharing knowledge and best practice across the industry.
Pay and Rewards
Salary: This role is a Band 4.C. (pay range) per annum.
You will also receive a 17.5% Operations allowance for unsociable hours and shift working
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
- Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.
- A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.
- GWR ticket alliance, Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network (48 passes per year)
- Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.
- A range of Pension schemes to choose from
- Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, hybrid working, flexible working, flexible leave, and enhanced family friendly support.
- 5 days paid volunteering leave.
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.
- 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.
To find out more about the benefits at Network Rail, click here .
The role is based at St Patricks House in Cardiff. All office shifts are to be from this location. ODM's work a shift pattern covering days, lates and night shifts. However hybrid working is possible on days as follows:, Tuesday and Thursday are mandated attendance at St Patricks House and the remaining days can be worked from home.
More about the role and your application
Closing date: 18th June 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. This vacancy is also being advertised externally.
To submit your application, click apply now . For tips to help you prepare and apply click here
We want to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity. Therefore, s hould you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please do let us know by contacting Elisabeth Holmes on 07395 387432
Should you wish to have a chat about this role, please contact Andrew Carver on 07710 222103
You will ideally have
- Relevant successful experience in a front-line delivery operations role
- Demonstrable leadership, management, motivational and communication skills
- Knowledge of possession safety rules and regulations
- Knowledge of relevant railway geography and network capability
- Analytical thinking and the writing of reports
- Knowledge of factors and activities critical to efficient possession delivery
- Able to evaluate complex factors and produce business-led customer focused solutions
- Able to work well under pressure
- Able to engage with customers and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders
- Able to prioritise and organise workload to ensure deadlines are met
- Local / Formal incident and accident investigation competence
- PTS/IWA/COSS/PICOP/ AOD duties
- Excellent communication skills and customer focussed approach
- UK driving license
- Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety within your application.
What could set you apart
- Protection Controller
- Engineering Supervisor
Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Let us decide . Some of these criteria may be learnt in role. Therefore, if you do not meet all the criteria, please submit your application. We will screen your application against these criteria to assess the best match.
