Operations Develeopment Manager

Matchtech; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking an experienced Operations Development Manager to provide operational expertise across the design, development, testing, and delivery of railway systems and infrastructure. You will help ensure safety, reliability, and readiness for service.

You will lead trials, support risk assessments, develop procedures and competency frameworks, collaborate with Network Rail and industry partners, and drive continuous improvement while promoting health and safety and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in rail operational control environment (signalling, electrical control, tunnel ventilation control, or incident management).
• Level 3 qualification in training delivery and/or assessment is required or equivalent.
• PTS certification or equivalent competency is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational expertise throughout the design, development, testing, and delivery of railway systems and infrastructure.
• Lead and support Trial Operations exercises, including planning, execution, evaluation, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to operational risk assessments, hazard identification, and safety management activities.
• Support the development of operational procedures, standards, training materials, and competency frameworks.
• Lead work relating to the development of NICC operating models and role profiles.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, Network Rail, and industry partners to ensure operational requirements are met.
• Support recruitment, training, assessment, and competence management for future operational teams.
• Benchmark industry best practice and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and organisational values in all activities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Railway operations knowledge

Project lifecycle understanding

Decision making

Education

Level 3 qualification in training delivery/assessment

Job description

Operations Development Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Development Manager provides operational expertise to support the development, testing, and implementation of railway systems, processes, and operational readiness activities. The role plays a key part in ensuring that infrastructure and operational systems are safe, effective, and ready for service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational expertise throughout the design, development, testing, and delivery of railway systems and infrastructure.
• Lead and support Trial Operations exercises, including planning, execution, evaluation, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to operational risk assessments, hazard identification, and safety management activities.
• Support the development of operational procedures, standards, training materials, and competency frameworks.
• Lead work relating to the development of Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC) operating models and role profiles.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, Network Rail, and industry partners to ensure operational requirements are met.
• Support recruitment, training, assessment, and competence management for future operational teams.
• Benchmark industry best practice and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and organisational values in all activities.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence outcomes through technical expertise and operational experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of railway operations, standards, systems, and incident management.
• Understanding of the railway project lifecycle, from design through to operational handover.
• Ability to make sound operational decisions balancing risk, cost, and operational effectiveness.

Experience Required

• Experience within a rail operational control environment (e.g. signalling, electrical control, tunnel ventilation control, or incident management).
• Experience delivering major railway or infrastructure projects.
• Proven project management and programme delivery experience.
• Experience engaging and influencing a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience supporting operational readiness, testing, commissioning, or bringing infrastructure into service.

Qualifications

• Relevant railway operations experience.
• Level 3 qualification (or above) in training delivery and/or assessment, or equivalent.
• Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification or equivalent competency is desirable.

Key Stakeholders

• Network Rail
• Railway system suppliers and contractors
• Operations and Business Systems providers
• Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
• Internal project and operational teams

This role is ideal for an experienced railway operations professional with a strong understanding of control centre operations, operational readiness, systems integration, and stakeholder engagement.