Operations Develeopment Manager

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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.