Associate Director, Railway Operations

About us

Network Rail shares its expertise with the world’s rail owners and operators through Network Rail Consulting (NRC). We understand the institutional, regulatory, technical, policy and strategic issues of running a railway in the 21st century.

We know how to operate a network, manage its assets, and deliver renewal and enhancement programs whilst minimising the disruption to passenger and freight services.

What makes us different from other consultants is that our people have genuine hands-on experience in solving the challenges you face in the real world of rail operations. We are rail professionals operating and maintaining one of the world’s leading railway systems who want to share our expertise, experience, and passion for the job.

We have been active in the Australian, Canadian, Middle Eastern and United States markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered over 200 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organisations, and for passenger and freight owners and operators, achieving consistently excellent levels of client satisfaction.

Our advice covers the full range of the project life cycle, from concept, project development and delivery through to operations and maintenance.

Our work is driven forward by our values: agile, always safe, care about people, collaborative, impartial and passionate.

We offer a competitive and flexible employee experience, including:

• Competitive Salary
• Health, Dental and Vision Cover
• Life Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• 25 Days’ Annual Leave Plus Public Holidays
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Learning and Development Support

Hybrid Working

We work on a hybrid basis, splitting time between our Toronto office on University Avenue, our homes and client sites, depending on business needs.

About the role

Due to continued growth, we are hiring for an experienced rail operations professional to join our team in Canada on a permanent full-time basis as an Associate Director, Railway Operations.

In this technical consulting role, you will apply your expertise to deliver high-quality advice and solutions across complex rail projects and advisory commissions in Canada.

In this role, you will travel to Edmonton for several days each month to work on-site with our client. For the rest of your time, you will split your time between our Toronto office and your home.

This is an exciting opportunity to join NRC and play a key role in delivering complex rail projects and advisory services in Canada. You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide practical expertise, solve complex challenges and help deliver high-quality outcomes across a range of programmes.

You will also work alongside experienced rail professionals from around the world, including Network Rail colleagues on secondment from the UK, gaining insight from one of the world’s most established railway systems across major projects.

Key Accountabilities

In this role, you can expect to be doing the following:

• Lead operational input across complex rail and light rail projects, from early strategy through to passenger service.

• Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, translating their priorities into practical, evidence-based solutions.

• Shape operating concepts, service plans and readiness strategies that support safe, reliable and passenger-focused operations.

• Provide operations leadership across design, systems integration, testing, commissioning and trial operations.

• Bring together operations, maintenance, rolling stock, control, stations, infrastructure and safety assurance teams.

• Lead proposals and projects, managing scope, resources, programme, budget and key delivery risks.

• Resolve complex operational and technical challenges, clearly communicating recommendations to senior decision-makers.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams and identify opportunities to broaden the support we provide to clients.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will typically demonstrate the following:

• A relevant degree or equivalent expertise in railway operations, engineering or transportation.

• Significant senior-level experience in railway operations, including operational readiness, testing, commissioning and transition into service.

• Strong knowledge of safe railway operations and the interfaces between operational and technical disciplines.

• A good understanding of the Canadian rail environment, including relevant regulations, safety requirements and stakeholders.

• The confidence to advise senior clients, challenge proposals constructively and explain complex issues clearly.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects to programme, budget and quality expectations.

• Strong analytical and written communication skills, with the ability to develop clear strategies, plans and recommendations.

• Canadian railway or light rail experience, particularly in Ontario or on a major transit programme, would be an advantage.

Apply

Interested in this opportunity? Apply today and our Talent Acquisition team will review your application in due course. If your experience aligns with the role, a member of our team will be in touch.

The closing date for this vacancy is 3rd November.

Applicants must already be legally authorised to work in Canada. We are unable to provide immigration sponsorship for external candidates for this role. Separate mobility arrangements apply to eligible current Network Rail Infrastructure Limited employees.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

NRC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, family status, marital status, Indigenous identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

NRC is committed to providing accommodation for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.