Network Rail
Operative [Works Delivery Signalling] - Clapham St Johns Hill
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Who We Are
Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.
Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key - and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Works Delivery is one of the five partners in this Enterprise with a workbank of £1.3bn this Control Period, delivering schemes across Track, Signalling, Telecommunications, Electrification & Plant, Buildings and Civils. So, come and join us and have the opportunity to develop in a multidisciplinary organisation that delivers 400+ projects a year, providing you with the ability to develop and grow your career.
You'll be playing a key role in ensuring we have a safe, efficient, and reliable railway for both passenger and freight services across the Southern Region.
Be part of something big - join us and help shape the future of railway infrastructure!
Join Us in Keeping the Nation Moving
Operative - Works Delivery Signalling
Location: Clapham St Johns Hill
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role) (Average 35 hour week)
Salary: IMC3 - £36,342 or Standard Maintenance Contract £38,482
About The Role
At the core of the railway network is a dedicated workforce responsible for ensuring that every journey - whether passenger or freight - remains safe, reliable, and efficient. As an Operative within Works Delivery Signalling, you will play a crucial part in this mission. Working hands-on as part of a focused and supportive team, you will help maintain, renew, and support the signalling infrastructure that keeps the railway operating smoothly every day.
This position offers more than day-to-day operational work - it provides a pathway into a meaningful and future-proof career within the rail industry. Whether you are beginning your career or bringing transferable skills from another sector, we will support your development and progression at every stage.
What You'll Be Doing
As an Operative within Works Delivery Signalling, you will support the delivery of maintenance, renewals, and project activities across signalling assets. You will receive training to work safely and competently on equipment that supports the control of train movements, including signals, points, level crossings, and associated infrastructure. Your work will contribute directly to the safety, reliability, and performance of the railway, while you build capability across manual, electrical, and technical systems.
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Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting your team in carrying out essential signalling maintenance, renewals, and repair activities in accordance with established standards and procedures.
- Preparing vehicles, tools, and equipment prior to each shift to ensure all resources are safe, compliant, and available for operational use.
- Driving to and between work sites and assisting with the transportation and handling of tools, materials, and equipment.
- Undertaking lookout and site safety duties, helping to maintain a safe working environment and protect colleagues from operational railway movements.
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions, including during periods of physically demanding activity and within safety-critical environments.
Your Experience And Skills
What We're Looking For
We welcome people from all backgrounds - no rail experience needed. What matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to working safely as part of a team.
Essential Criteria
- A qualification or demonstrable knowledge in engineering, electrical, or electronic systems
- Experience working in safety-critical environments
- A full UK driving licence (Category B)
- Flexibility to work shifts (days, nights, weekends)
- Ability to commute to your designated location within 35 minutes
- Ability to pass all pre-employment checks (D&A, medical, BPSS clearance)
The Skills That Matter
Skill
Why It Matters
Teamwork
Collaboration is essential for safe, efficient maintenance.
Communication
Clear, respectful communication keeps everyone safe and informed.
Proactive Planning
Being prepared ensures smooth, efficient operations.
Calm Under Pressure
You'll work near high-speed trains - focus is key.
Rule-Following
Safety procedures must be followed confidently and consistently.
Willingness to Learn
We'll support your technical and personal development throughout your career.
Your Growth, Your Future
From day one, you'll receive structured training to build your technical and interpersonal skills. Many Operatives progress into roles such as Technician, Team Leader, and beyond. Your career path is clear, and your potential is limitless.
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What To Expect From The Application Process
Pre-Screening Questions
Designed to assess suitability. Take your time and answer honestly.
Online Psychometric Testing
If successful, you'll complete approx. 45 minutes of online assessments. Your results are stored for six months for future applications.
Why you'll love it here
Perks That Pack a Punch
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer's leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.
Plus, more....
We're All About Inclusion
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from - if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
About Your Application
As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader 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. You can visit Evenbreak's 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.
Safety and Compliance
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard
All prospective 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.
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