Chief Operating Officer, Integrated UK Rail Operations

Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd. is seeking an accomplished operational leader to steer the largest and most complex rail operation in the UK.

As Chief Operating Officer, you will join the Executive Leadership Team and oversee the safe, reliable delivery of train services across an integrated network, shaping strategy and performance in partnership with Network Rail and regulators. You will lead large multidisciplinary teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure robust governance while

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading large-scale, safety-critical operations.
• Strong safety, risk, and compliance leadership.
• Ability to drive performance improvements and culture change.

Responsibilities

• Lead Train Services, Network Operations and Control functions across the integrated railway.
• Develop and deliver the integrated operating strategy, ensuring the achievement of safety, performance, customer and business objectives.
• Drive improvements in reliability, punctuality, capacity, productivity and service delivery across the network.
• Lead operational transformation, workforce reform and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee operational control, incident response, business continuity and service recovery activities, ensuring disruption is managed safely and effectively.
• Champion a positive safety culture and ensure robust risk management across all operational activities.
• Lead resource and workforce planning to deliver a sustainable, efficient and customer-focused railway.
• Build strong relationships with industry partners, government stakeholders, regulators and trade unions.
• Deliver financial, operational and customer performance targets while maintaining excellent governance and accountability.
• Support the successful introduction of new trains and future operational enhancements.
• Participate in the Executive On-Call rota for significant operational and business incidents.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Safety management

Operational delivery

Risk management

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Communication & negotiation

Education

Degree-level / MBA or equivalent experience

Job description

Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd. is seeking an accomplished operational leader to steer the largest and most complex rail operation in the UK.

As Chief Operating Officer, you will join the Executive Leadership Team and oversee the safe, reliable delivery of train services across an integrated network, shaping strategy and performance in partnership with Network Rail and regulators. You will lead large multidisciplinary teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure robust governance while