Technical Lead

This is an opportunity to join the Technical Operations Service Team within IT Operations. You will be working with an existing team of Subject Matter Experts. To be successful in this role we will require you to have expert level technical background in the Train Management Suite of applications, including Mainframe (TOPS, SMART, TRUST). The role is to provide operational support and you will also understand and help define the strategic direction of these applications. You will work well within a Team environment and have strong communication & Influencing skills with a "Speak Passenger" ability. Main responsibilities: Provide authoritative expertise to enable advanced support, provide strategic guidance and create and apply technical standards for one of Network Rails key strategic IT technology domains. What will you be doing?
• Maintain a high level of expertise in the supported technology domain, keeping up to date with new developments in the field as well as maintaining a deep knowledge of the existing and legacy applications of the technology in the NR environment. Ownership of technical-level relationship with the vendor.
• Provide expert-level consultancy services to delivery projects utilising the technology domain, ensuring that new solution deliveries successfully integrate and follow domain and NR best practice and standards.
• Influence and guide strategic direction to confirm that NRs strategy and policy for the technical specialism prioritises maintainability, supportability, and best practice with relation to the technology domain.
• Provide expert level technical support to assist ITSS colleagues who require assistance or solutions for complex issues related to the supported technology area.
• Highlight, communicate and address future and current risks, opportunities and challenges for NR arising from developments or changes in the technology domain.
• Define, author and maintain ITSS operational patterns, standards and best practice for the supported technology domain.

Extensive experience in an expert-level role supporting and delivering solutions in the supported technology.
• Industry recognised high level qualification in the supported technology.
• Experience in design, development, and support of bespoke solutions in the supported technology
• Demonstrable expertise in and knowledge of current, future, and existing developments in the field of the supported technology

Desirable
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the supported technology deployments within Network Rail
• Recognised industry contributor to the development of the supported technology domain best practice
• Thorough understanding of consultancy approaches, tools and techniques
• Experience of working as an expert authority in the supported technology domain within a large organisation

The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers. Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.

As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partners with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that are helping to reshape the railway we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant. Get ready to embark on a journey where your skills will not just be utilised; they'll be honed and expanded. You're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a collective force helping to build and operate a railway fit for the next 200 years!, At Network Rail, we have a number of employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. We have Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on Diversity & Inclusion at Network Rail, please follow this link

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you! 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. ️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets. Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass. Flexible/hybrid working arrangements. ️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact. Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more. We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments Plus, more…., Interviews will take place: from the 10th March 2026, these will be held Virtually and will include a presentation Band & Salary: Band 3C - £55,5+6 - £63,7+7 We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-disciplined group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.