Interim Controller

Interim Controller

Location: Carlisle
Reporting to: Control Duty Manager
Contract Type: Interim, with a view to becoming permanent following a successful interim period.

About the role

As a Controller, you will play a vital role in the safe, secure and reliable delivery of NTS Rail operations. Working within the Control Room, you will manage real-time train operations across the network, ensuring customer requirements are met while responding effectively to any disruption, delays or incidents.

This is a fast-paced and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with internal teams, Network Rail, customers and key stakeholders to maintain service performance, restore services during disruption and ensure operational excellence across the Rail Division.

The role operates on a 24/7 shift pattern and attracts a shift allowance.

What you'll be doing

• Managing real-time rail operations through the Control Room to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of services.
• Monitoring train performance and responding quickly to incidents, delays and operational disruptions.
• Working with train crew, fleet teams, customers and Network Rail to maintain services and recover operations when issues arise.
• Providing accurate operational updates to customers, stakeholders and internal colleagues.
• Booking train crew on and off duty and responding to short-notice resource changes.
• Ensuring fleet defects and operational issues are reported and escalated appropriately.
• Supporting locomotive, wagon and coach diagramming activities to maintain service delivery.
• Liaising with other freight operating companies and stakeholders to secure operational resources when required.
• Investigating delays and providing information to support performance improvement activities.
• Maintaining accurate Control Room records, logs and operational documentation.
• Supporting emergency response arrangements and complying with all operational, safety and security procedures.
• Assisting the Nuclear Control Room at Sellafield when required.
• Promoting a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with NTS values of Freedom, Helpfulness and Drive.

Training & Development

You will receive comprehensive training and support to develop your skills and knowledge within a safety-critical operational environment, including:

• Control Room processes and procedures.
• Railway operational systems including TOPS, TRUST, CCF and NROL.
• Delay attribution and performance management.
• Railway Rule Book modules and emergency response arrangements.
• Security and safety requirements relevant to the role.
• Communication and stakeholder management within an operational railway environment.
• Safe Working of Trains training (where required).

Who we're looking for

Experience

• Experience working within an operational railway, logistics or transport environment.
• Previous experience in a control, planning, resource management or operations role.
• Experience of communicating professionally in safety-critical situations.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders and customers.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of railway operations, key industry stakeholders and operational interfaces.
• Experience of TOPS and associated operational systems within a Control or TOPS environment.
• Understanding of railway safety, operational and regulatory requirements.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) and relevant industry experience.
• Higher-level qualifications in a relevant discipline would be advantageous.

Skills & Behaviours

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Calm and effective decision-making under pressure.
• Ability to prioritise and respond to operational challenges quickly and efficiently.
• Customer-focused approach with a commitment to service delivery.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Demonstrates high standards, professionalism and a strong focus on results.
• Flexible, adaptable and willing to work a 24/7 shift pattern.
• Committed to safety, security, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Training & Development

At NTS, we invest in our people and provide opportunities to develop operational, leadership and railway industry expertise. As a Controller, you'll gain exposure to a broad range of operational activities and stakeholders, helping you build a rewarding career within rail operations.

This role offers excellent opportunities to further develop your railway operations knowledge, operational decision-making skills and wider industry experience within a safety-critical environment.

The Kind of People We’re Looking For

We’re interested in who you are, not just what’s on your CV.

You’re likely to thrive at NTS if you:

• Take ownership of your work and enjoy being trusted to deliver
• Are collaborative, approachable and naturally supportive of others
• Care about doing the right thing, in the right way
• Are curious and motivated to learn, improve and grow
• Communicate openly and act with integrity and respect
• Are comfortable working in a purpose‑driven, safety‑critical environment

You don’t need to tick every box on day one — we value potential, attitude and alignment with our culture just as much as experience.

Benefits

• 30 Days holidays plus 8 bank holidays

• Buy / Sell annual leave

• Health shield

• Nuclear Pension scheme

• Hybrid working

• Family friendly