Operations Standards Specialist (High Speed)

Location

Ashford, GB

Department Name

CT NR(High Speed) Ltd - Safety, Health & Environment (989032) G1

About Network Rail

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. Click here to learn more.

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.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

The role

We are excited to be introducing a Operations Standards Specialist into our Operations team.

Key Accountabilities

Lead on the evaluate and manage all High Speed operational documentation to provide a standard and consistent approach to any new or changed standard.

Manage special traffic arrangements within High Speed and at the interfaces so that all STP movements are published in the weekly or daily High Speed Special traffic notice

Develop and deliver relevant audit protocols and co-ordinate the response of operational audits and findings.

Co-ordinate and prepare requests for derogations and Temporary Non Compliances against the requirements of Level 1 Standards on behalf of the Network Rail High Speed Operations.

This is a permanent position, so come and be part of a truly unique business that brings the UK closer to Europe.

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here .

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process -

We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us , whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

We're also 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.

About The Role (External)

The person

So, who are we looking for? If you can answer ‘ yes' to the following criteria, then we look forward to receiving your application.

Essential

• Proficiency to communicate clearly in writing and orally
• Working experience in environment where focus on safety, business and performance improvements
• Proven ability to engage with key stakeholders at all levels
• Flexible and willing to undertake a variety of tasks at a range of locations.
• Good level of office IT skills
• Good interpersonal, influencing communication and organisation skills

Knowledge of Investigation technics

Proven relevant experience in railway operational principles and implementation of relevant standards

Good knowledge of operating rules, regulation, standards, principles and guidance (particularly the railways and other guided transport systems (safety) regulations 2006 ROGs)

Desirable

• Knowledge of High Speed operations
• Member of the Institute of Railways Operations
• Recognised Management qualification - e.g HND Management Studies
• Recognised Safety qualification - e.g. NEBOSH certificate or Audit qualification
  
  
  

To succeed in this role, you will deliver on the following responsibilities:

• Re-write the NRHS Electrical Mechanical Management Information Systems (EMMIS) Control Room Instructions
• Support the VCS rectification project and re-writing the instructions
• Support the NRHS Operations Management team at meetings such as OPSRAM
• Support the update of standards such as the Sectional Appendix, EZP,ERS & OCS Limit book, etc.
• Brief and mentor staff on the electrical aspects of NRHS where required

Lead on a review and response to the unlabelled assets with no documentation/procedures

How To Apply (External)

The important stuff

The role is based at Ashford IECC however frequent travel to our other office and site locations along the High Speed line is expected.

What can we offer you in return?

We follow a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the following pay range:

Band 4B - £355822

In addition, we can offer you a rewarding career with excellent benefits, including:

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Bonus scheme
• Excellent choice of pension schemes
• 75% subsidy on rail season tickets (including London underground)
• 75% off leisure rail travel for you and your family
• ‘my benefits' – our discounted online shopping site
• Training, development and employee assistance programme available
• Two weeks paid reserve leave for our armed forces community
• 5 days paid volunteering leave
  
  
  

Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

For tips to help you prepare and apply click here

Closing date and application process

The closing date will be 30th January 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Network Rail High Speed retains the right to close the advert early depending on application volume. This role is also advertised externally,

If you have been referred for a job vacancy in the Southern region of Network Rail, please complete the form below:

Employee Referral Form

If you are successful in your application, you may be required to go through a security vetting process (depending on the role).

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We want our employees to reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We welcome different and fresh ways of thinking and encourage a culture where people feel empowered to act and we would consider flexible working.

Drugs and Alcohol Standard

All candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

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