Train Running Controller - Cardiff

Network Rail; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Pension schemes

Travel discount

Volunteer or carers leave

Subsidised Rail travel

Gym access

Benefits platform

Job summary

Network Rail, Cardiff-based, is seeking a Controller to oversee the safe and efficient running of trains across the Route. You will monitor performance, make timely decisions during normal operations and disruptions, and coordinate with signallers and Train Operators to minimize delays.

This permanent, full-time role requires knowledge of procedures, operational experience, timetable understanding, TOC structures, and strong geographical awareness.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of operating procedures, rules and regulations.
• Operational experience in control environments or operations.
• Understanding of the Route timetable.
• Knowledge of Train Operating Companies' structure and routes.
• Good geographical knowledge of the Route.

Responsibilities

• Manage the safe and efficient running of trains over the Route infrastructure.
• Make proactive regulating decisions using control systems.
• Coordinate with signallers and train operators during perturbations.
• Work with the Incident Controller to manage service delivery.
• Develop disruption service recovery plans.
• Maintain daily log of train movements.

Skills

Procedures knowledge

Operational experience

Timetable understanding

TOC structure knowledge

Geographical knowledge

Job description

Join Network Rail ! Where People and Connections Matter

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 click here . 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.

Safe behaviouris a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .

You¿ll play a key role in managing train services across the network, helping to deliver the agreed train plan during both normal operations and periods of disruption. Working closely with signallers and Train Operators, you¿ll monitor performance, make timely decisions to minimise customer impact, and support effective service recovery to keep passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently.

Salary- Controller.3 £68,352 per annum.

Closing Date- 2nd October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 19 October.

What's in it for you

Here are a few of the benefits we offer

• 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
• Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
• My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.

Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.

Work during both normal train running and disruptive events, to deliver the optimum service that meets the differing needs of the rail industry and passengers.

Manage the safe and efficient running of trains over the Route infrastructure.

Make pro-active train regulating decisions using control systems and interpreting incoming information to identify potential disruption and initiate early action to minimise train delays, communicating with signallers and train operators as necessary.

Work closely with the Incident Controller to manage train service delivery during times of perturbation, being the key liaison with representatives of train operators whose services run in the route and other control centres.

Develop and specify during times of disruption, service recovery plans, including discussion with train operator staff regarding resourcing of the plan.

Maintain a daily log of all train running information and events, using the available systems in accordance with the relevant company standards and instructions.

Undertake planning of VSTP train movements to a time horizon of 48 hours and compile a library of regularly used timetable slots to deliver consistency.

Identify regular and frequent requests for short-term movements to the Train Planning Manager to be introduced in the permanent timetable.

• Knowledge and demonstrable experience of operating procedures, rules and regulations
• Operational experience within a control environment or operations role
• Understanding of the Route timetable
• Knowledge of Train Operating Companies organisational structure and routes
• Good geographical knowledge of applicable Route

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location: