Performance Improvement Specialist (Wessex)

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Performance Improvement Specialist (Wessex)

View more categories View less categories Sector Project and Program Management Role Specialist Contract Type Permanent Hours Full Time

About Network Rail

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.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

To lead and support performance improvement activity across the Wessex Route through the coordination of Incident Learning Reviews, the definition and assurance of performance-related processes, and the tracking of improvement actions across route functions. The role will support the Performance Improvement Team in using tools such as Power BI to maintain visibility of plans, progress, and risks. It will also contribute to the development of route-level performance governance and strategy, while supporting a culture of continuous learning and collaboration across Network Rail and Train Operating Companies.

This role provides a unique opportunity to gain experience across a range of railway functions, including Network Rail Operations, Maintenance, and several Train Operating Companies. The successful candidate will join a supportive team focused on collaboration, learning, and long-term improvement.

About the role (External)

1. With reference to the Right Time Railway framework, support the coordination and delivery of Right Time Railway (RTR) group activity across the Wessex Route.

2. Provide performance support across all route functions, ensuring a consistent approach to identifying challenges, learning from incidents, and delivering improvements.

3. Lead the coordination of Incident Learning Reviews, ensuring learning is captured, actions are agreed, and follow-up activity is monitored and assured.

4. Define and support the rollout of performance-related processes and frameworks; provide assurance on compliance and effectiveness.

5. Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards to track improvement activities and drive data-led performance conversations.

6. Support the Performance Improvement Team with the capture and tracking of performance improvement plans, making use of tools like Power BI to maintain visibility of progress and risks.

7. Contribute to the development and operation of performance governance, including input into leadership reviews, strategic planning, and risk registers.

8. Support route-level risk management processes by identifying performance risks and ensuring appropriate tracking and escalation where necessary.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

• Educated to A-level standard (or equivalent experience)

• Strong understanding of performance improvement principles and approaches

• Experience in project management and/or process implementation

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills

• Confident communicator with the ability to facilitate conversations and drive accountability

• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities

• Proficient in data handling and IT systems

• Power BI development experience (including dashboard creation and data modelling)

Desirable:

• Knowledge of railway operations and performance drivers

• Understanding of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex Route structure

• Knowledge of Right Time Railway methodology

• Experience in governance, risk management or performance strategy

• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering operational improvements

How to apply (External)
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Company

Every day, 4.8 million people use our network. Keeping Britain moving and building a better railway for the future is full of challenges - but also tremendous opportunities.

From our commitments to your development, our range of benefits and our approach to Diversity & Inclusion, we believe there are many reasons to join the team at Network Rail.

We're proactive in empowering employees with the knowledge to help them progress. We encourage all our employees to be ambitious, and offer great training and career development opportunities. As the railway becomes bigger and more technologically advanced, it's crucial that our employees have the right skills to develop their careers and meet the challenges ahead.

We believe that investing in our people is one of the most effective ways of improving the safety, reliability and efficiency of the railway.

We also know that it's vital to get each individual's training programme just right. As well as helping us to meet our immediate needs, we believe this is an approach that encourages people to stay with us and develop their careers.

Your health, wellbeing and benefits

We believe that safety and performance go hand in hand and this doesn't just mean safety on the railway! We are committed to the wellbeing of our employees and believe, that should come first.

We provide access to support services such as our employee assistance program to help you with finances, family, health and wellbeing. In addition to this, we offer excellent benefits, are sensitive to work-life balance and encourage our employees to use their 5 volunteer days for their favourite causes.

We have a range of benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave entitlement.
• My benefits - Our discounted online shopping site.
• A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, Healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits.
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets.
• A range of pension schemes.
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community.

What Diversity and Inclusion means to us

'Diversity' means recognising differences between people while valuing the contribution they make. 'Inclusion' means creating safe and welcoming workplaces with fair cultures that encourages innovative and fresh ways of thinking.

Our aspiration is that the behaviours and actions that support diversity and inclusion will come from the conviction of everyone here at Network Rail - making diversity and inclusion a conscious part of how we run our business throughout Britain.

Disability Confident Leader

Network Rail is an accreditedDisability Confident Leader . This means, where a disabled applicant meets the essential criteria for any of our vacancies, they will receive an interview.

Find out more about our recruitment processhere

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