Duty Control Manager

Duty Control Manager

Heavy Haul Rail is a UK‑based next‑generation rail freight partner committed to driving a cleaner, more resilient freight future. This role is focused on leading the control activity in a specified region, ensuring operational, safety, compliance and service delivery excellence across the network.

• Lead and direct control activity in the region through the Train Controllers and Assistant Train Controllers, ensuring safe and effective decisions that protect company interests.
• Represent Heavy Haul Rail in industry meetings and exercises to enhance reputation and safeguard business interests.
• Manage evidence‑based data for the Control Competence Management System, issuing certificates of competence for each role within the control function.
• Provide managerial focus on control activity and staff, maintaining competence, continuity of cover and operation of the control and TDA L1 activity.
• Lead continuous improvement of the control activity, demonstrating business‑improving outcomes and upholding the highest standards of behaviour and accountability.
• Be competent to cover the TSC, provide out‑of‑hours support to control, and coordinate with other business unit Control Managers as required.
• Lead HS&E performance: ensure safe work, environmental compliance, incident investigations, work‑wallet entry, team competence, and alignment with the management system.
• Ensure a positive safety culture with robust safety processes, emergency procedures, incident reporting, and equipment usage, and keep the control manual up‑to‑date.
• Ensure all safety‑critical staff comply with the company Drug and Alcohol Policy () and with all statutory reporting requirements.
• Support trust in the control team to minimise and manage the effects of operational incidents, cancellations and delays, complying with Rail Group and HHR standards and procedural instructions.
• Manage the safe and economical operation of the HHR network, delivering the daily commercial train plan, communicating service disruptions and reporting all accidents and incidents involving staff or contractors.
• Lead rostering of control team members, covering short‑term resource needs efficiently, and take part in HR activities such as return‑to‑work interviews and sickness reporting.
• Attend required training courses and undertake additional work as competent to do so and as directed by the line manager.
• Ensure the locomotive and wagon plan is robust and forward‑looking, managing commercial services and adapting to changes.
• Implement improvements with measurable business benefits, investigating and closing out L2 TDA investigations and ensuring L1 closure in control.
• Lead extreme weather planning and implementation, and perform any other duties commensurate with the post.

• Experience of railway operations and operational procedures, working with wider industry peers.
• Good railway geographical knowledge.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure and in emergency situations.
• Good negotiation skills and ability to resolve problems.
• Strong IT skills.
• Conscientious approach, concentration for long periods on detailed information.
• Knowledge of locomotive and wagon maintenance cycle policies.
• Knowledge of HHR’s and Network Rail’s train planning process.
• Knowledge of the rail industry performance regime.

• Drive, energy and enthusiasm to meet goals and objectives.
• Commitment to safety as the first consideration.
• Flexibility regarding hours, location and output, including out‑of‑hours and weekend work.
• Maintenance of trust, tact and confidentiality.
• Focus on customer business requirements and a proactive, outward‑looking approach.
• Adherence to standardised instructions and processes, ensuring others do the same.

• Competitive pay.
• Final‑salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
• Access to the company life assurance scheme.
• Health‑treatment reimbursement and savings on new cars.

Applications are subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including employment references, medical & D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks. For enquiries, contact