Brief Description
Route Services is a division of Network Rail that provides the Routes with services so they can help Network Rail deliver a better railway for a better Britain.We support the Routes with a myriad of services and supplies they need to maintain and operate the railway To learn more, please to watch our video.
This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway.
SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving – making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule. Watch our video
Construction Services (CS) plans and delivers Overhead Line and Track Renewal’s Projects using the Overhead Line Engineering (OLE) Train, On-Track-Plant, and the Ballast Cleaning System (BCS).The team is committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects while embracing innovative, more efficient ways of working.
The Directorate is structured into five teams reporting into the Construction Services Director: Engineering, Planning, OLE Delivery, Track Delivery, and Programme Change. Works are planned and delivered using an internal Network Rail workforce, with Construction Services acting as Principal Contractor, Principal Designer, and POS approval holder.
During Control Period 7 (2024-29) Construction Services is remitted to plan and deliver Ballast Cleaning projects on North, West & Central and Network Rail High Speed Regions, and OLE renewals across North, West & Central Region.
The team operates nationally from its Crewe and Bletchley Construction Depots, with support roles based at Birmingham and Milton Keynes.
Construction Services (CS) - Engineering is composed of highly qualified engineers with years of experience in the rail sector, certified in multiple disciplines, and backed by strong problem-solving capabilities. We combine technical proficiency with an in-depth understanding of the rail industry’s evolving needs, delivering projects that are both timely and cost-effective ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We specialise in managing the complete lifecycle of rail projects involving track, signalling and overhead line equipment (OLE). From planning to execution, our team ensures that our systems are designed, installed, and maintained to the highest industry standards. We oversee technical coordination, risk management, and compliance to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Key services include:
•Project Engineering Management for Track, Signalling & OLE (Overhead Line Equipment)
•Managing design integration and construction processes.
•Risk management, budget control, and regulatory compliance.
•Engineering & Construction Assurance
•On Track Plant Management & Assurance
About the role (External)
You will lead, develop and deliver the strategic planning capability to support the delivery of Fleet and Engineering’s planning function and resource profiles.
You will act as the senior leadership focus to validate all elements of the plan enabling the delivery of the wider business requirements and co-ordinate all aspects of the plan and considering risk, costs, opportunities and efficiencies to drive business improvement for safety, performance and wellbeing of the team and resources.
Key Accountabilities
1.Lead the development and delivery of SCO directly operated fleet performance strategy through accurate performance data capture, analysis and improvement programmes.
2.Lead the development and implementation of the integrated delivery plan across all aspects of the business to meet targets and outputs. Lead and direct the resourcing and logistic arrangements enabling affective and efficient delivery.
3.Lead and direct the planning and performance team to maximise operational delivery performance, identifying opportunities to minimise disruption, minimise customer and maximise value. To promote lean planning processes across the operation.
4.Provide authoritative advice on the guidance of the planning and project controls, methodologies, tools and techniques, process and practices and continuously check that these are aligned with Network Rail’s strategic priorities and outcomes
5.Lead and manage the necessary governance, process and controls to effectively deliver the plan for the customer.
6.Direct the development of the planning team to improve the day to day control and lead the development of programme specific core deployment strategies. Act as the lead focal point for all planning in the short, medium and long term.
7.Lead the development of the programme team, monitoring adequate resources available to deliver a flexible, competent, skilled and effective workforce at all times.
8.Achieve the business objectives and efficiencies balanced with health and wellbeing of the individuals to provide optimised business delivery.
9.Direct and deliver the construction of training, skill and personal development planning for all resources to make sure that the business can deliver with suitable delivery, succession and personal development as defined by the delivery teams.
10.Lead and direct the development of a data lead, analytical performance team building capability to manage high volume complex data and analytics through to management information for the business and operation.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
•Member of a relevant professional body or equivalent experience
•Previous experience in a leadership role with a strong customer focus
•In depth knowledge of rail industry performance processes, regimes and procedures
•Proven ability to influence cross functional and cross company relationships
•Successful experience of operating successful programmes, incorporating programme governance using appropriate techniques and controls
•Proven ability to think strategically and communicate effectively
•Able to demonstrate strong commercial focus skills and be financially astute
•Proven ability to engage with customers and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders at a senior level
•Excellent communication with demonstrable delivery of leadership and behavioural change within a large organisation
•Able to demonstrate high numeracy and analytical skills
•Proven ability to lead and develop a broad team and deliver to tight timescales
Desirable
•Understanding of contractual interfaces and reasonabilities