Advanced Timetable Manager

ENGINEERINGUK; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 71,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic leader to join their Advanced Timetable Team. This role involves influencing key stakeholders, utilizing advanced timetable analysis, and ensuring effective collaboration across the rail network. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of rail transport, leveraging your expertise to navigate complex challenges and drive industry improvements. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this opportunity offers a flexible working environment and the chance to make a real impact in a vital sector. If you have a passion for innovation and a desire to lead change, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days)

Discounts at stations with Network Rail pass

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets

Interest-free travel loan for season tickets

Volunteer leave

Qualifications

• Significant experience in timetable analysis and industry modelling tools.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in capacity planning.

Responsibilities

• Influencing cross-industry groups and leading analysis through resource management.
• Translating technical analysis for non-technical audiences.

Skills

Timetable Analysis

Stakeholder Engagement

Rail Network Capacity Planning

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Capacity Planning or Related Field

Tools

Timetable Development Tools (TPS / ATTune / RailSys)

Job description

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About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. 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. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

• Duration: Permanent. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.
• Location: This role is currently based in Quadrant: MK although Manchester will also be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes or be willing to self-re-locate.
• Band & Salary: 2B £71,163 - £81,661 per annum, please note that any salary offered will be within the advertised salary range and is dependent upon experience.

Who are we looking for?

Over the next 15 years major investments in rail transport are planned which will yield transformative benefits for customers in the north of England. Making the most of projects like HS2, TransPennine Route Upgrade and infrastructure enhancements in Manchester will require collaboration across the industry to develop the necessary timetable changes.

We need someone to join us who can build relationships and work with multiple stakeholders, often seeking conflicting outcomes, to develop the best possible timetable for our customers. You will be able to leverage your knowledge of rail network capacity and how to plan for different uses of it to meet customer needs, integrated with required infrastructure changes.

You will be able to influence senior industry leaders and create a positive environment to solve problems and create engagement in the work the team delivers. We need someone who is able to translate between strategic problem statements in the political context and the practical reality of analytical work packages in a way that maintains engagement at all levels.

The ideal candidate will be able to blend the curiosity necessary to resolve complex problems with the leadership required to maintain stakeholder consensus and the inclusive approach to be able to reflect different perspectives.

About the role (External)

About the team...

The Advanced Timetable Team (ATT) provides expert analysis of rail network capacity, working closely with other teams in Capacity Planning and across the industry to inform decisions about how to improve the rail network. We use industry-standard tools and bespoke analytical methods to answer questions that span a large range of time horizon and detail.

The role will be part of the extended leadership group for ATT within System Operator and is to lead the integration of timetable analysis and development for investment programmes in the North of England.

What does the average day look like?

Each day brings variety and purpose in this strategic and high-impact role. Your work will underpin complex capacity allocation decisions that support the future shape of the rail network.

You'll collaborate closely across the organisation and externally with stakeholders including the Department for Transport, the Office of Rail and Road, and Train and Freight Operating Companies. Whether it's forming joint virtual teams to enhance insight, streamlining delivery timelines, or strengthening industry cohesion, your leadership will ensure effective and trusted outcomes.

This will include:

• Influencing cross-industry groups such as North of England Integration Board whilst representing Capacity Planning
• Working with peers to prioritise workload and lead analysis through resource managed by others
• Maintaining a pipeline and programme of work to meet financial recovery targets
• Ensuring that remits meet requirements of decision-makers
• Translating the outcome of technical analysis so that is interpretable for different non-technical audiences
• Overseeing a risk management process to make sure timetable and relevant industry risks are properly articulated, assessed and mitigated
• Using industry contacts to remove obstacles to the development of high-quality train plans for the North of England
• As a subject matter expert, you'll contribute to wider industry change initiatives, supporting smarter ways of working and helping to build confidence in early decision making through high-value analysis. As a leader within the team and Capacity Planning you will be adaptable and able to take on projects that meet business needs outside of the North of England programme.

Please note that the role requires flexibility to travel between our Manchester and Milton Keynes offices regularly, supporting effective collaboration and engagement across locations and the occasional night away may be required.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience of the application of timetable analysis and the use of industry timetable development and modelling tools to influence decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of industry train planning systems (TPS / ATTune / RailSys or equivalent).
• Experience of leading industry stakeholders to deliver industry investment benefits through timetable development and delivery.
• Applied knowledge of industry processes including rail operator contract award, Event Steering Groups and Network Code Part D.
• Ability to demonstrate an in depth understanding of train service structure and commercial and operational implications of implementing changes to the timetable.
• Proven experience of leading teams and building capability - directly, virtually or through matrix management
• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience in capacity planning and analysis

How to apply (External)

• Contact: If you have any questions about the role or should you have any HR related questions or require a reasonable adjustment/s, please contact Recruitment Support ( [e-mail] ) and please ensure that you have the IREC number (IRC2315863) to hand as you will require this.
• Closing date: 21 st of May 2025. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
• Next Steps: Interviews will be held on either the 05 th or 06 th June 2025, depending on business requirements.
• Interview Process: 1 stage interview process will be used and will comprise of a competency-based interview and 10-15-minute candidate presentation. If required a 2 nd stage may be utilised which will comprise of a technical assessment.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more....

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