Acting as the primary point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, this role focuses on security, emergency, and contingency preparedness. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining security, emergency, and contingency plans and procedures to meet statutory requirements, Railway Group and Company Standards. Additionally, the role provides specialist advice and Level 1 assurance in operational security and contingency planning.

The position entails active management of Critical National Infrastructure within the Wales and Borders Route, requiring close collaboration with the Department for Transport and various stakeholders. It combines office-based work with on-site guidance and support for key partners. Engaging with internal teams, external partners, and government bodies to ensure cohesive security and contingency planning efforts. Conducting regular exercises to test emergency and contingency plans, with a strong focus on operational readiness and continuous improvement.

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records on the Fusion system. Out-of-Hours commitments, occasionally working outside standard hours, including at least four Saturday evening exercises annually, to implement and evaluate contingency plans. Identifying opportunities to improve security strategies, incorporating new technologies and best practices to strengthen the Wales and Borders Route’s resilience.

About the role (External)

Your Main Responsibilities will be to:

1. Assist and advise the region / route function, including stations, on the development (including templates and associated Standards and guidance) and maintenance of effective security and contingency plans, designed to mitigate loss, in cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.

2. Plan and coordinate the development and implementation of an annual programme of planned exercises to test the effectiveness of security and contingency arrangements in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders and monitor performance against the programme.

3. Assist and advise the routes on continuous improvement relating to incident management and disruption by facilitating debriefs following exercises and significant incidents; coordinating lessons identified and helping disseminate these throughout Network Rail (NR). Liaise with external stakeholders where required to resolve issues.

4. Plan and develop a programme of physical and operational security risk assessments to identify and assess potential failings in security arrangements within key NR sites, particularly those identified as Critical National Infrastructure, and associated security/emergency/contingency plans.

5. Be the subject matter expert providing specialist advice in the fields of physical and operational security, contingency and disruption planning and response to the region / route / function senior leadership team.

6. Provide Level 2 assurance function in the field of operational security and compliance with the National Railways Security Programme (NRSP), by carrying out physical security risk assessments and covert tests of NR assets as required, in order to confirm compliance with legislation and provide recommendations for improvement.

7. Provide a link at strategic level to Local Resilience Fora, Devolved Administrations and national representative bodies (e.g. Chief Fire Officers Association) in order to discharge NR’s obligations under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA 2004). Represent NR at strategic groups acting as a conduit for information from NR to the wider resilience community.

8. Contribute to, or lead as required, the delivery of special projects in the field of operational security or contingency planning and security elements of infrastructure upgrade projects, to deliver operational capability and comply with regulation.

9. Assist and advise the region / route / function, including stations, on the development of the NR response to significant sporting and cultural events, to assist in the delivery of an effective operational response., Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We’re constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we’re working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.

We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact Wales&WesternCulturalFusion@networkrail.co.uk or visit the connect page: Wales and Western Cultural Fusion (sharepoint.com). For all other support please contact your HR Business Partner.

· Educated to degree level or be able to show equivalent level of experience and competency

· Membership, or ability to achieve membership, of a security and/or emergency planning professional body

· Formal accredited training in emergency planning, security or similar field

· Detailed understanding of and proven credibility in operational security matters

· Good understanding of the principles of contingency and emergency planning and management

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to present complex data in a simple and understandable way

Desirable

· Proven experience and expertise in major incident/crisis management at a tactical level

· Good understanding of security issues as they affect Network Rail’s undertakings

· Good understanding of railway operational requirements

· Post-graduate qualification in emergency/disaster management, security (domestic or international) counter-terrorism, operational resilience or risk, or similar.

At Network Rail, we’re part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us, and you matter to millions. Watch our video to find out more!

The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway and we serve communities and businesses of Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England, and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

· Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.

· A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.

· GWR ticket alliance – Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network.

· Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.

· A range of Pension schemes to choose from

· Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, flexible leave, and enhanced family friendly support.

· 5 days paid volunteering leave.

· 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community., Salary: This role is a Band 4C role - £43,588- £ 50,018 per annum.