Senior Operations Manager – Rail Infrastructure Projects

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Programme Management Team

GRADE: ML2/SB2

SALARY: £70,000 – £80,000

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid

LOCATION: York/Manchester

HOURS: 37 per week

Are you a strategic thinker with deep operational rail experience and a passion for infrastructure transformation? We’re looking for a Senior Operations Manager (Infrastructure Projects) to lead operational change across our network, ensuring safety, compliance, and performance are at the heart of every infrastructure development.

This is a high-impact role where you will work closely with Network Rail and other external industry partners such as RSSB and inclusive of internal stakeholders to shape the future of railway operations in line with future infrastructure developments, including the introduction of new technologies like ETCS and electrification schemes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead our operational input into infrastructure projects, ensuring safety, performance, and flexibility are prioritised.
• Act as the key interface with Network Rail and industry bodies on signalling, operational interfaces, and new technologies by supporting and developing signalling design.
• Influence infrastructure design to optimise capacity, signal placement, and compatibility with rolling stock.
• Develop and deliver operational change briefings and route training for traincrew and station staff.
• Validate safety and operational readiness for infrastructure schemes and drive continuous improvement post-implementation.
• Ensure that the needs of our passengers are central to every decision made in the planning, preparation, and delivery of all major infrastructure programmes.

About You

• You have at least 5 years’ managerial experience in railway operations, with a strong understanding grasp of Industry safety standards and signalling systems inclusive of design specification.
• You hold relevant qualifications including NEBOSH Certificate, A1/A2 Competence Assessor, and Safety Auditor accreditation.
• You bring practical experience in train crew roles or hold a driving Cab Pass, demonstrating deep operational knowledge.
• You’re a confident communicator and influencer, with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage complexity under pressure.
• You’re passionate about fostering a proactive safety culture and driving operational excellence across infrastructure projects.

What’s in it for you?

We don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on our services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, our Perks has you covered.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. We don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.