Rail Operations Readiness & Development Lead

Matchtech; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Operations Development Manager to lead operational readiness and delivery of railway systems and infrastructure. You will oversee design, development, testing, and handover to ensure safety and reliability in service.

You will drive trial operations, risk assessments, procedures, training materials, and competency development, working with Network Rail and industry partners to optimize performance and safety culture.

Qualifications

• Relevant railway operations experience.
• Level 3 Training/Assessment or equivalent in training delivery.
• Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification or equivalent is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational expertise throughout 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 development of operational procedures, standards, training materials, and competency frameworks.
• Lead work relating to NICC operating models and role profiles.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, Network Rail, and industry partners to meet operational requirements.
• 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 skills

Railway operations

Project management

Risk assessment

Education

Level 3 Training/Assessment

Job description

Matchtech in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Operations Development Manager to lead operational readiness and delivery of railway systems and infrastructure. You will oversee design, development, testing, and handover to ensure safety and reliability in service.

You will drive trial operations, risk assessments, procedures, training materials, and competency development, working with Network Rail and industry partners to optimize performance and safety culture.