Railway Operations Readiness Lead

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

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.