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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead rail testing and lubrication to keep trains running smoothly and safely.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's railway system.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, travel discounts, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of journeys while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail maintenance and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 58000 ÂŁ per year.
About Network Rail
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.
Brief Description
Location: Norwood Depot
Salary: Starting from 50675
Hours: Full-Time
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role)
Take the lead in one of the most crucial areas of rail infrastructure. As Section Manager Rail Testing & Lubrication, you'll oversee the performance, safety, and reliability of a key section of the network, ensuring trains run smoothly, efficiently, and safely. You'll manage both in‑house teams and contractors delivering rail testing, lubrication, defect correction, and preventative maintenance. From planning and inspections to hands‑on tactical work, you'll be responsible for keeping vital assets in top condition. This is a highly operational role requiring flexibility, including on‑call responsibilities and out‑of‑hours contact. Safety will be at the heart of everything you do, with authority to recommend renewals, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement across your area.
About the role
- Lead the delivery of a fully compliant testing and lubrication work programme.
- Manage, develop, and motivate a large multi‑disciplinary maintenance team.
- Oversee rail testing, lubrication, defect correction, and asset renewal.
- Plan, inspect, and deliver tactical and planned maintenance activities.
- Manage resources, budgets, and contractors to meet cost, quality, and performance targets.
- Drive team engagement, development, and a strong safety‑first culture.
- Respond promptly to operational issues, including during nights and weekends.
What you'll need
- Proven experience delivering complex rail testing and lubrication maintenance programmes.
- Strong commitment to safe working practices and embedding safe behaviours.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to coach, influence, and drive performance.
- Knowledge of rail testing technologies, lubrication systems, and maintenance techniques.
- Ability to lead improvement initiatives and manage change effectively.
- Confident written and verbal communicator with strong influencing skills.
- Willingness to work days, nights, and weekends as part of a flexible shift pattern.
And if you've got these even better !!!
- NVQ Level 3 or 4 (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
- Experience in managing budgets and cost control.
- Full UK driving licence with willingness to travel as required.
Important Information
This is a safety‑critical role, and you'll be required to pass a medical assessment and undergo routine drug and alcohol testing. Flexibility is essential as the role includes working across days, nights, and weekends.
Perks That Pack a Punch:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), 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.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.
- Plus, more.
We're All About Inclusion
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
Closing date: 10th February 2026
Network Rail Benefits
To find out about what benefits we offer, click here. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. 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 on your application. Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader 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. You can visit Evenbreak's 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 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.
Section Manager Rail testing and Lubrication employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Manager Rail testing and Lubrication
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend rail-related events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the field. This can lead to valuable insights and potential job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Network Rail and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of safety and efficiency in rail operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and driven performance in previous roles, especially in safety-critical environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Manager Rail testing and Lubrication
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safety: Make sure to highlight your commitment to safety in your application. Since this role is safety-critical, we want to see how you prioritise safe working practices and embed them in your team's culture.
Tailor Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your background in rail testing and lubrication. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex maintenance programmes and lead teams effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the Southern Region.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on rail testing technologies and lubrication systems. Familiarise yourself with the specific maintenance techniques relevant to the role. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to safety and efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you motivated a multi-disciplinary team or led improvement initiatives. Highlighting your ability to coach and influence others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Operational Scenarios
Since this role involves responding to operational issues, be prepared to discuss how you would handle unexpected challenges. Think through scenarios that might arise during nights or weekends and how you would ensure safety and performance are maintained.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Strong verbal communication is key in this role, especially when influencing stakeholders or discussing complex maintenance programmes. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
