Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.
Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference. Click here to learn more.
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.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
We are looking for someone to join a high-performing team of Network Delivery Managers at the heart of Sussex Route's 24/7 Tactical Command. Lead the safe, effective delivery of the network, taking charge during major incidents to drive fast, resilient responses. Collaborate with key stakeholders to meet customer needs, while leading and developing a team of controllers to achieve excellence and uphold the highest competency standards.
What You'll Do
- Take charge as Tactical Commander during major incidents, leading swift, coordinated responses to keep services moving safely.
- Inspire and lead the Control team, driving a positive culture and building capability across Sussex Route.
- Deliver the daily train plan with confidence, managing both routine operations and disruption, including very short-term planning.
- Oversee safety-of-the-line incidents, ensuring full compliance with safety and statutory standards.
- Ensure clear, timely communication of safety-critical information and maintain accurate operational records.
- Support incident reviews, balancing customer needs with Network Rail and operator priorities.
- Help shape and maintain operational and safety policies that keep services running smoothly.
- Safeguard sensitive operational and security information with integrity.
Salary: 3C / £55,596-£65,966
20% Operational Allowance
South East Allowance
Performance Related Pay Scheme
This is a full-time permanent position.
Candidates must live within a 60-minute commute to Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre , as this is a fully onsite role with no option to work from home , and it operates on a shift-based schedule requiring both day and night working .
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 .
Drugs and Alcohol Standard: Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard is changing as of 16.1.2023. All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
Closing date: 24th June 2026 - Late applications will not be accepted.
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
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate the following essential & desirable criteria:
- Proven experience leading high-performing teams within a Control environment, logistics, or operational setting
- Strong decision-making and negotiation skills, with the ability to provide clear, well-reasoned justifications, even under pressure
- Skilled in managing conflict and influencing others, with a track record of balancing competing priorities across multiple stakeholders
- Solid understanding of Network Rail and Train Operating Companies within the Southern Region, including their operational frameworks, performance regimes, and targets
- Good knowledge of operational rules and regulations, with the ability to apply them in a practical environment
- Strong geographical awareness of the Sussex Route and its operational landscape
Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a safety critical Control environment.
- Geographical knowledge of adjoining Routes.
- Proven line management experience.
- Rail Incident Commander (RIC) Tactical Incident Commander (TIC) qualification.
- Multi-agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) qualification.
- Qualified Assessor
Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible.
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.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. .
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.****
