Duty Operations Manager

Network Rail; Birmingham (NJ); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Rail season ticket subsidy

Hybrid working options

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Duty Operations Manager to lead a team and oversee line management, HR, and safety-critical dispatch of trains at a major station. The role requires strong leadership, proactive incident management, and delivering excellent customer service under pressure.

You will work with the Shift Station Manager and other colleagues to ensure compliance, safety, and smooth station operations, with a focus on teamwork and emergency support.

Qualifications

• Previous rail operations experience is essential.
• Experience in customer service is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Network Rail operations and geography is required.
• Experience in supervising staff is required.
• Safe Work Leader skills are essential.
• PTS holder is required.
• Skills Assessor accreditation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of staff and oversee HR responsibilities.
• Ensure safe and punctual dispatch of trains and high customer service standards.
• Assess train positions and manage potential disruptions.
• Lead safety-critical decisions in line with policy.
• Coordinate with Shift Station Manager and other departments to minimise delays.
• Conduct safety-critical assessments and investigations when needed.
• Support station during emergencies and maintain logs.

Skills

Rail operations

Customer service

Network Rail knowledge

Team management

Safe Work Leader

PTS Holder

Assessor accreditation

Job description

Who We Are

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

About Our Route

Central Route is the Heart of Britain's Railway. More than a million people rely on our route every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.

We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.

About The Role

As a Duty Operations Manager, reporting to the Station Operations Manager, you will manage a team of staff and oversee all line management and HR responsibilities, ensuring the safe and punctual dispatch of trains and deliver excellent customer service. This position requires you to effectively manage people, fostering a culture of support and teamwork during high-pressure situations.

You will have the chance to hone your leadership skills while assessing train positions, managing potential disruptions, and prioritising safety protocols. In your capacity as a Safe Work Leader in a Safety Critical and Key Safety post, you'll make informed decisions in alignment with Network Rail policy, maintaining high operational and safety standards while delivering exceptional customer service.

Your role will include working with the Shift Station Manager coordinating station operations, maintaining compliance with all rules and regulations, completing daily logs, managing uniforms and PPE, and supporting the station during emergencies. Monitoring platform and dispatch activities will be crucial to ensure they are conducted safely and impartially.

Collaboration is key and you will liaise with traincrew management, control, signalling, and the Shift Station Manager as well as other Network Rail colleagues to minimise delays and maintain smooth, efficient station operations. Additionally, you will conduct safety-critical assessments, investigate incidents, deliver staff briefings, and uphold Network Rail values in everything you do.

The demands of this role vary from one shift to the next, requiring considerable physical activity and decisive action, allowing you to make a real difference in our operations and passenger experience. Your ability to stay composed, communicate clearly, and instil confidence in your team and customers will be invaluable.

This secondment is a unique chance for existing staff to develop professionally and take on new responsibilities in a safety-critical position. If you are ready to elevate your career, foster teamwork, and contribute to our station's success, we encourage you to apply!

Your Experience And Skills

What we're looking for

Role

We're looking for someone who is motivated by making a real impact and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Previous rail operations experience
• Experience of a customer service environment would be an advantage
• Knowledge of Network Rail operations and geography
• Experience of managing other staff
• Safe work Leader skills
• PTS Holder
• Skills Assessor accreditation

Alongside this, it would be great if you also have:

• Customer focused
• Efficient and calm
• Polite and friendly
• Flexible
• Good communication skills, written and verbal
• Able to use own initiative when appropriate
• High standard of personal presentation
• Able to motivate others
• Leadership skills
• Numerate and literate
• Computer literate
• Able to learn legislation that affects the role

Salary

SIG.7 £53,588 per annum. Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.

Closing date: 30th October 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Benefits

We know how important it is to feel supported, both in and outside of work. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to help you thrive:

• Generous annual leave (28 days plus bank holidays, contract dependent), with the flexibility to buy or sell additional days to suit your lifestyle
• A market-leading defined benefit pension scheme, helping you plan confidently for the future
• Up to 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets, making your commute more affordable
• Up to 75% off leisure travel (discretionary), so you can explore more for less
• Interest-free loans for travel and car park season tickets
• Access to a range of discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass
• Flexible and hybrid working options to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance
• Dedicated volunteer leave, giving you time to make a positive difference in your community
• A range of wellbeing benefits including a healthcare scheme, GymPass discounts, and a cycle-to-work programme
• Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, supporting you through life's most important moments

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a range of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.