Head of Rail Operations

Addition+; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Head of Rail Operations to drive a major infrastructure program in Bedford. The role involves coordinating operations, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring operational readiness. The ideal candidate will have deep rail sector expertise and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. This full-time position offers a hybrid work model and competitive benefits.

Benefits

12% employer’s pension contribution

36 days holiday a year

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts and freebies

On-the-spot and annual awards

Qualifications

• Experience in aligning operational priorities with infrastructure projects.
• Strong background in operations of train companies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational integration with train companies.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with GBR and DfT.
• Oversee the Entry into Service programme.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Operational Integration

Collaboration

Education

Deep expertise in the rail sector

Job description

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We are looking for a Head of Rail Operations to join a new and exciting venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the transport industry. Focusing on a major infrastructure program focusing on expanding transport options.

What You Can Expect

• Location – Bedford (Hybrid)
• Work type – Permanent

Main Responsibilities as a Head of Rail Operations

• Coordinate Operational Integration - Work closely with train operating companies to align service patterns, resource planning, and station operations with the capital works programme. Ensure all operational requirements are fully captured and integrated into project planning.
• Manage Stakeholder Relationships - Build and maintain strong partnerships. Act as the main liaison with Great British Railways (GBR) and the Department for Transport (DfT) on future operational frameworks.
• Lead Operational Readiness - Oversee the Entry into Service programme, ensuring it is fully scheduled, approved, and aligned with regulatory and organisational standards. Represent operational interests during design and delivery stages of the project.
• Facilitate Collaboration and Risk Management - Host cross-functional workshops to collect input from operational experts, monitor project alignment with operational needs, and lead risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Deliver Strategic Guidance and Reporting - Translate operator needs into actionable project requirements, provide expert operational advice, prepare high-level reports for senior stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and readiness.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Deep expertise in the rail sector, with a strong background in the operations of train operating companies.
• Demonstrated success in aligning operational priorities with major infrastructure and capital development projects.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement abilities, skilled at fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and external organisations.
• Comprehensive understanding of railway operational procedures, industry standards, and compliance requirements.

What’s In It For You?

• Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
• 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebie
• On-the-spot and annual awards

For further information on this Head of Rail Operations role apply below

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

By applying you are confirming you are happy to be added to the Addition mailing list regarding future suitable positions and marketing efforts. You can opt out of this at any time simply by contacting one of our consultants.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Strategy/Planning and Project Management

• Industries

  Rail Transportation

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