Local Operations Manager- Cricklewood SB

Network Rail; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A national railway organization in London is seeking an experienced individual to lead and oversee daily operations. The role involves managing a local team, ensuring optimal performance under budget constraints, and coordinating service delivery. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, operational safety knowledge, and a full UK driving license. Opportunities for further professional qualifications are available in this engaging and critical position.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop people.
• Ready to attain Level 2 Rules & Regulations competency.
• Willing to gain assessor and Rail Incident Officer qualifications.
• Decisive, assertive and calm under pressure.
• Customer-focused with strong planning and organizing skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the local team.
• Ensure optimal performance within defined resource and budgetary constraints.
• Manage operational safety and coordinate service delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Establish command as Rail Incident Officer when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Customer focus

Planning and organizing

Job description

Overview

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. To discover more about our ED&I commitments 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. If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Role Overview

Lead and oversee the daily operations of the local team, ensuring optimal performance within defined resource and budgetary constraints. You'll be responsible for delivering a safe, reliable, and professional train service in line with company standards and strategic objectives. This includes managing operational safety, coordinating service delivery, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. This role covers the line management of Signallers at Cricklewood Signal Box and also the Mobile Operations Managers at 3 depots, Bedford, Elstree, and Kentish Town. Please be aware this role holds a mandatory requirement for the incumbent to hold valid security vetting clearance. Any offer will be conditional on the successful candidate obtaining clearance prior to a start date being agreed. If you have lived outside of the UK in the last 3 years and have been invited to interview for this role, please notify us. For further information including residency eligibility, please contact your recruiter for more details.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead with impact! Inspire and guide the local operations team, setting the tone as a role model and mentor while delivering Network Rail policies with professionalism and flair.
• Step up when it counts. Take charge as Rail Incident Officer (RIO) when needed—establishing command, coordinating infrastructure recovery, and keeping services moving.
• Be the connector. Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external partners—think maintenance teams, TOCs, FOCs, and more.
• Keep the wheels turning. Manage resources and budgets to deliver a smooth train service—even when things get bumpy.
• Plan for performance. Put pre-agreed delivery and contingency plans into action to keep trains running at their best.
• Emergency-ready. Help shape and deliver local emergency plans that align with route-wide standards.
• Stay ahead of the curve. Monitor and influence maintenance activities to protect and enhance train performance.
• Budget brilliance. Own and deliver a controllable Opex budget, always playing by the procurement rulebook.
• Play by the book. Ensure full compliance with the Operations Manual, Rule Book, OHSM and SSM procedures.
• Grow the team. Lead competency assessments to keep skills sharp and standards high.
• Respond with confidence. Direct resources during incidents, working closely with Network Rail Control to restore infrastructure.
• Strategic coordination. Work with Control and the Operations Manager to position Mobile Operations Managers where they're needed most during disruption.
• Equip for success. Specify, allocate and maintain vehicles and response gear—making sure everything's fit for purpose.
• Signal savvy. If qualified, operate signal boxes as directed to support the wider network.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Essential
  • Proven ability to lead, manage and develop people
  • Ready to attain Level 2 Rules & Regulations competency
  • Willing to gain assessor and Rail Incident Officer qualifications
  • Decisive, assertive and calm under pressure
  • Customer-focused with strong planning and organising skills
  • Full UK driving licence
  • Willing to gain signal box competencies if required
• Desirable
  • Financial and budgetary awareness
  • Commercial insight and business acumen
  • Confident with IT tools and corporate systems
  • Understanding of business improvement processes
  • Familiarity with railway industry structure and responsibilities
  • Skilled in employee relations and root cause analysis