Deputy Duty Manager

The vacancy

Deputy Duty Manager

Location: Control Room based
Security Level: CTC
Roster: Shift-based, including relief Controller duties

At [Employer hidden] Solutions (NTS), what we do really matters. Our Control Room sits at the very heart of our rail operations, keeping people safe, services moving and customers informed—no matter what the network throws at us.

We’re now looking for an experienced Deputy Duty Manager help lead real-time DRS train operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced, safety‑critical environment and love being the calm voice when things get challenging, this could be the role for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the day‑to‑day running of train services from the Control Room, ensuring customer and stakeholder commitments are met
• Managing disruption effectively—redeploying fleet and train crew resources to restore services as quickly and safely as possible
• Acting as a key interface between DRS customers, Network Rail Route Controls, train crew, suppliers and internal teams
• Communicating clear, timely and accurate service updates, including delays, cancellations and recovery plans
• Supporting the wider Control team with flexible shift cover, including working outside the base roster as a GPR relief Controller (and Assistant Controller if needed)

Key responsibilities

• Managing live operations in line with the Control Manual, Emergency and Security Plans
• Liaising with Network Rail to manage access, VSTPs and service recovery
• Booking train crew on/off and briefing them on operational requirements
• Producing the 24‑hour Control Log and accurately recording excess hours
• Monitoring train performance, investigating delays and supporting dispute resolution
• Supporting fleet diagramming, maintenance planning and fault reporting
• Ensuring business and customer interests are always represented
• Assisting the Nuclear Control Room at Sellafield when required
• Leading by example and living our culture values of Freedom, Helpfulness and Drive

What you’ll bring

Essential

• Experience working in a Control / TOPS / real‑time railway operations environment
• Strong knowledge of the UK rail network, key interfaces and operational responsibilities
• Confident, professional communicator—especially in safety‑critical situations
• Ability to remain calm, organised and decisive under pressure
• Flexibility to work varied shifts and respond to short‑notice operational changes

Desirable

• Higher‑level qualifications in a relevant field
• People management experience
• Exposure to performance or delay attribution activity

Systems & skills

• TOPS, TRUST, CCF, NROL and associated control systems
• Strong IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, Q‑Pulse)
• Excellent time management, organisation and attention to detail
• A proactive, customer‑focused mindset with the confidence to work independently

About the role

• You’ll join a close‑knit Control team of around 15, supporting a national workforce of circa 700 colleagues
• Travel may be required, and flexibility is key
• You’ll need to be medically fit and able to meet security requirements
• This is a role with real responsibility, real impact and genuine progression

Why NTS?

At NTS, our people are trusted to perform, supported to grow and encouraged to be curious and innovative. We create an environment where you’re given the freedom to do your job well, the support of a strong team, and the opportunity to help shape the future of safe and reliable rail operations.

The Kind of People We’re Looking For

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

• 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