Porterbrook
Operations Controller

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About Us
At the heart of the rail network for over three decades, Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.
By working together with our partners, we deliver high-quality, agile rolling stock solutions that ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, sustainable and fit for the future.
We don't just provide trains - we provide a customer-focused platform for long-term success. Since 1994, Porterbrook has invested over £4bn in new rolling stock including £1bn of capital in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure in the last five years.
With our strategic and empathetic funding solutions, we're actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead.
About The Team
Our Long Marston Operations Team provide onsite logistical solutions and support services, tailored to our internal and external customers' needs. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, professionally trained depot team.
About The Role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Operations Controller, to join the Porterbrook team.
Key responsibilities:
- Overseeing train movements, signalling systems, and the overall operation
- Responding to incidents, accidents, and disruptions, coordinating recovery efforts, and ensuring safety at all times
- Following operational policies, safety rules, and procedures to maintain a safe and efficient railway
- Contributing to the planning and coordination of train movements, ensuring adherence to schedules and timetables
- Ensure clear communication in the correct timescales to facilitate the safe and efficient operations and performance
- Assist in ensuring that all work undertaken is recorded and logged in detail to an appropriate standard
About You
Skills / Experience
What you'll need to have:
- 3 - 5 years' experience
- Conversant with relevant health & Safety and rail industry standards
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
It would be great if you also had:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for conveying information clearly and effectively
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Ability to identify and resolve operational issues, including incidents and disruptions
- Maintaining focus and concentration to ensure safety and efficiency
A great place to work
We have a collaborative work ethic with our team members across the company, and with our customers and suppliers. In Derby, London and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right jobs, all striving to drive excellence through strong partnerships that create value for all.
We promote a high-performing culture where everyone is supported to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. We have a close-knit, diverse team that looks out for each other, and supports our colleagues, communities and the next generation of the railway family.
In recognition of this we have been awarded:
- Investors in People Gold accreditation
- Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation
- Engineering and Safety Award Railway Innovation 2025
These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.
Our Benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:
- 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
- Financial wellbeing support
- Flexible working
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Enhanced Armed Forces policies
- Ongoing support with professional and personal development
- Long service awards
- Porterbrook Star awards
- Healthcare cash plan
- 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave
- Additional days annual leave for long service
- Free parking and electric vehicle charging are available at our Derby office
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to Work scheme


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.
This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.
Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team.
This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!
Our people
To find out more about our people and partnerships click the following link https://www.porterbrook.co.uk/about/our-people.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills