Freight Manager

Network Rail; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

Annual leave 28 days + statutory

Train ticket discounts

Pension scheme

Travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Cardiff is seeking a proactive System Operator to act as the main contact for freight customers, coordinating with Network Rail teams to resolve issues and improve safety, performance, and freight growth across the region.

The role requires a degree or equivalent experience, commercial acumen and strong negotiation and relationship management skills; you will work with the Regional Freight Manager to ensure commercial and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Commercial awareness and customer focus are essential.
• Ability to negotiate in a complex commercial environment.
• Experience in managing contractual relationships.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for rail freight and coordinate responses across teams.
• Monitor traffic changes and manage connection agreements.
• Represent freight interests at route meetings and protect commercial position.
• Build relationships with freight customers and ensure high-quality service.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Customer focus

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Contract knowledge

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Contract management

Job description

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.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 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.

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.

About the role

What does the average day look like?

A typical day involves acting as the key advocate for rail freight, serving as the first point of contact for customers and coordinating responses across Network Rail teams. Undertaking safety tours and customer visits to identify opportunities to improve safety, performance, and efficiency, while supporting freight growth and championing customer-focused projects.

You will also monitor traffic changes, manage connection agreements, ensure additional freight costs are invoiced, and represent freight interests at route meetings, providing specialist expertise while protecting Network Rail's commercial position.

A little bit about the team...

We're a small, proactive team covering a wide and varied geography across the region, so this role would suit someone who is self-disciplined, motivated and comfortable working under their own initiative. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves building relationships across Network Rail and with our freight customers.

You'll be supporting both the Regional Freight Manager and Senior Regional Freight Manager, joining a team that works hard, supports each other and enjoys a good laugh along the way.

Next Steps

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing the 2 nd November 2026, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail

A typical day involves acting as the main contact for freight customers, coordinating with Network Rail teams to resolve issues and improve service. While conducting safety tours and customer visits, identifying opportunities to improve safety, performance and freight growth, manage connection agreements and freight costs, and represent freight interests at route meetings while protecting Network Rail's commercial position.

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
• Commercially astute, persuasive and customer focussed
• Proven ability to negotiate in a complex commercial environment
• Knowledge of relevant contracts and contractual environment
• Experience of managing contractual relationships

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Cardiff St Patrick's House, Cardiff

Closing Date:

06-OCT-2026

Job Category:

Operations

Function:

System Operator