Network Rail
Section Manager [Rail Testing & Lubrication] - Brighton
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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.
Section Manager - Rail Testing & Lubrication
Location: Brighton
Salary: Starting from £52,601 (IMC4)
Hours: Full-time
Shift pattern: Days, nights and weekends (safety-critical role)
About The Role
Take the lead in one of the most crucial areas of rail infrastructure. As Section Manager - Rail Testing & Lubrication, you'll oversee the performance, safety, and reliability of a key section of the network, ensuring trains run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
You'll manage both in-house teams and contractors delivering rail testing, lubrication, defect correction, and preventative maintenance. From planning and inspections to hands-on tactical work, you'll be responsible for keeping vital assets in top condition.
This is a highly operational role requiring flexibility, including on-call responsibilities and out-of-hours contact. Safety will be at the heart of everything you do, with authority to recommend renewals, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement across your area.
What You'll Do
- Lead the delivery of a fully compliant testing and lubrication work programme.
- Manage, develop and motivate a large multidisciplinary maintenance team.
- Oversee rail testing, lubrication, defect correction and asset renewal.
- Plan, inspect and deliver tactical and planned maintenance activities.
- Manage resources, budgets and contractors to meet cost, quality and performance targets.
- Drive team engagement, development and a strong safety-first culture.
- Respond promptly to operational issues, including during nights and weekends.
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Your Experience And Skills
What You'll Need
- Proven experience delivering complex rail testing and lubrication maintenance programmes.
- Strong commitment to safe working practices and embedding safe behaviours.
- Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to coach, influence and drive performance.
- Knowledge of rail testing technologies, lubrication systems and maintenance techniques.
- Ability to lead improvement initiatives and manage change effectively.
- Confident written and verbal communication, with strong influencing skills.
- Willingness to work days, nights and weekends as part of a flexible shift pattern.
Desirable Criteria
- NVQ Level 3 or 4, or equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline.
- Experience managing budgets and cost control.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
Important Information
This is a safety-critical role, and you'll be required to pass a medical assessment and undergo routine drug and alcohol testing. Flexibility is essential as the role includes working across days, nights, and weekends.
Our Benefits
- 28 days' annual leave plus statutory holidays, with the option to buy or sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and Underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer's leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare scheme, Gympass discounts, Cycle to Work and more.
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
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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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Ready to roll up your sleeves and keep the railway on track?
Apply today and join a team that values your skills, your ideas, and your future.
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