Network Rail
Regional Freight Manager [Anglia]
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Who We Are
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent
Contact: If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Some Of Our Great Benefits
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on train tickets.
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Plus more....
About The Role
What does the average day look like?
Think of this role as being right at the heart of how freight works on the Anglia Route. You'll be the person bringing people together, making connections, and helping keep everything moving smoothly for both customers and Network Rail.
Your day could begin by checking in with colleagues across the route to get a feel for how things are running, spotting any potential issues early and taking the initiative to resolve issues where needed. From there, you might be speaking with a freight operator or a key industrial customer, understanding what matters most to them and working together on ways to improve performance, reliability, safety or assisting with starting a new freight service.
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A big part of the role is about relationships. You'll become a trusted point of contact for freight on the route, someone people turn to for answers, guidance and support. Whether it's resolving a customer query, navigating a more complex issue, challenging to promote the interests of the freight sector within internal meetings or helping shape new agreements, you'll play a key role in making things happen.
You'll also spend time driving improvements. That could mean leading initiatives to boost performance or safety, using approaches like LEAN to find better ways of working, or working with colleagues across operations, engineering and planning to make sure freight is always part of the bigger picture.
There's a commercial edge too. You'll be involved in supporting new track access agreements, maintaining connection agreements, and helping identify opportunities to grow freight and reduce costs for customers all while protecting Network Rail's position.
Some days will be focused on meetings and collaboration, others on problem-solving and project work, and frequently you'll be out on the route, staying close to the reality of how the railway runs day to day. With this in mind, you will be expected to either hold or gain Personal Track Safety competency.
A Little Bit About The Team...
You'll be joining a supportive and down-to-earth team who genuinely enjoy working together and take pride in what they do. It's a mix of experienced railway professionals and fresh perspectives, all brought together by a shared focus on putting customers first and making a real difference to the rail freight sector. Collaboration is a big part of how the team operates - people are always willing to share knowledge, step in to help, and celebrate successes together. It's the kind of environment where you're trusted to get on with your role, but never feel like you're on your own, making it a great place to learn, grow and build your career.
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Next Steps
CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 10th August, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.
We encourage you to review our Safety Vision, as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail.
All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.
Your Experience And Skills
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for someone who is confident, commercially minded and genuinely enjoys building relationships. You might come from a commercial or operational background, but what really matters is your ability to understand customer needs, negotiate effectively and spot opportunities to create value. You'll be comfortable working in a complex environment, juggling different priorities and confidently navigating contracts and agreements. Being analytical and detail-focused will help you make sense of data and drive informed decisions, while your communication skills will ensure you can challenge, influence and bring people with you. If you already have knowledge of the freight railway industry, that's a real advantage - but just as important is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your drive to make a positive impact.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
- Significant experience in a commercial environment
- Commercially astute, persuasive and customer focused
- Successful experience of negotiating in a complex commercial environment
- Knowledge of relevant contracts and contractual environment
- Previous experience of managing internal and external relationships
- Literate, analytical and numerate
- Knowledge of the freight railway business
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