Train Running Controller

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7, 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.

You will be part of the NW&C Region which consists of three routes: North West Route, covering Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria; Central Route, covering the West Midlands and Chiltern areas; West Coast South Route, covering the south of Crewe to London Euston.

We champion diversity and inclusion, creating safe, innovative workplaces. We also support flexible and hybrid working — if it works, we’ll make it happen.

Brief Description

We are seeking a proactive and strategic individual to manage train services across the network, ensuring alignment with the agreed train plan during both normal operations and disruptive events. This role is key to delivering Network Rail and Train Operator targets, including PPM and customer satisfaction goals.

You will lead the daily performance of the train plan, taking early action to minimise disruption and ensure efficient use of rolling stock and crew. Strong communication with signallers, control teams, and Train Operators is essential, as is the ability to define and implement effective service recovery strategies.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about delivering reliable rail services, we encourage you to apply.

About The Role

Every day will be different, but you can expect to be involved in the following activities:

• In this role, you’ll be at the heart of keeping trains running smoothly—whether it’s a typical day or a more challenging one with disruptions.
• Your focus will be on delivering the best possible service for both the rail industry and passengers, adapting quickly to changing circumstances to ensure everything stays on track.
• You’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trains across the route, using control systems and real-time information to make smart, proactive decisions.
• By staying alert to potential issues and acting early, you’ll help minimise delays and keep communication flowing between signallers and train operators.
• When things don’t go as planned, you’ll work closely with the Incident Controller and train operator teams to manage service delivery.
• You’ll play a key role in creating recovery plans, making sure resources are in place, and keeping everyone informed and aligned during disruptions.
• On top of that, you’ll handle short-term train planning, maintain detailed logs of daily operations, and help identify patterns that could improve the permanent timetable.
• Your work will help bring consistency and reliability to the network, making a real difference to the daily journeys of thousands of passengers.

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:

• Knowledge and demonstrable experience of operating procedures, rules and regulations.
• Operational experience within a control environment or operations role.
• Understanding of the Route timetable.
• Knowledge of Train Operating Companies organisational structure and routes.
• Good geographical knowledge of applicable Route.
• Demonstrable skill in the use of Microsoft Office package and Control specific software e.g. CCF/TMV, TMIS, TRUST, TRUST DA, TOPS, SHEILA, GENIUS, Crews in Genius, P2v2, Nexus Alpha and Alpha Page or other communications/pager system.
• Good team working skills and ability to make objective decisions.
• Able to influence others and work under pressure.
• General understanding of commercial/business picture within Network Rail and TOCs.
• Knowledge of Train Service Recovery Plans.

We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have/to be:

• Geographical knowledge of adjoining Routes.