Train Controller
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Job Summary
We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter cleaner more resilient freight future. And we have the opportunity to build it.
Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery driving trains engineering or business support the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions easing road congestion strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work with real impact.
Previously operating as Freightliners Heavy Haul business we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Groups acquisition of Freightliner UKs Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026.
Heavy Haul Rail is the UKs next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe its time to move differently. Congested roads rising emissions fragile supply chains. These arent just logistical challenges; theyre environmental and economic wake-up calls. Were here to lead the modal shift helping businesses transition from road to rail with confidence clarity and measurable impact.
We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rails team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK running 250 trains per week.
Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies including the provision of drivers and route conducting services.
But none of this happens without us its people.
Join our team: Train Controller
What Youll Do
As a Train Controller you will be at the heart of our operation making real-time decisions that keep freight moving across the UK. Working in a fast-paced Control environment youll coordinate trains locomotives and traincrew resources respond to disruption and ensure services are delivered safely and efficiently.
This is a role for someone who thrives on challenge enjoys problem solving and can make informed decisions under pressure while maintaining a relentless focus on safety and customer service.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing the real-time operation of Heavy Haul Rail services across the network.
Delivering the daily train and locomotive plan while balancing safety performance and commercial priorities.
Monitoring train performance and identifying opportunities to minimise delays and disruption.
Managing locomotives traincrew and operational resources to ensure services are delivered effectively.
Responding to incidents resource shortages and unplanned events implementing solutions quickly and effectively.
Working closely with Network Rail train operators depots and customers to maintain service performance.
Leading the operational response during periods of disruption and supporting the restoration of normal service.
Communicating service impacts and operational updates to key stakeholders.
Maintaining detailed operational records logs and incident reports.
Ensuring working time fatigue and safety requirements are always met.
Supporting incident management statutory reporting and post-incident arrangements where required.
What Were Looking For
Were looking for a confident and resilient operational professional who can remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
Youll ideally have:
Experience within railway operations.
Good railway geographical knowledge.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
The ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively during disruption and emergency situations.
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Good IT and systems capability.
Knowledge of train planning processes and railway performance management.
An understanding of locomotive deployment and maintenance considerations.
Excellent attention to detail and the ability to analyse information quickly and accurately.
Your Behaviours
Youll be successful in this role if you:
Demonstrate Heavy Haul Rails values in everything you do.
Put safety at the centre of every decision.
Bring drive energy and enthusiasm to achieving objectives.
Remain composed and professional under pressure.
Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with colleagues customers and stakeholders.
Work collaboratively whilst taking ownership and accountability for outcomes.
Embrace innovation continuous improvement and new technologies.
Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality trust and professionalism.
Take a customer-focused approach and understand the importance of delivering a reliable service.
Show resilience adaptability and a willingness to support operational requirements when needed.
This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.
Here youre not one small part of a big machine. Youre a key contributor with national significance and real-world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail you can expect:
Purpose that matters. Your work contributes to a cleaner more efficient freight industry.
Opportunity to shape whats next. Were new agile and ready to do things differently your ideas help build our future.
A team that moves forward together. Collaboration respect and shared ambition define how we work.
A commitment to excellence. We deliver with pride precision and professionalism.
Room to grow. Your development fuels our momentum.
Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees ensuring they are trained and competent fit for work always informed and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge skills and experience needed for their return we can offer considerable career progression and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:
Competitive pay
Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
Access to the companys life assurance scheme
A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments to savings on new cars.
We know where were heading. We know why it matters. Now its time to move to make it real together.
The future we want to build wont happen on its own we have to move it forward together. Heavy Haul Rail has the purpose the ambition and the opportunity to reshape how Britain moves. Whatever our roles we are collaborators creators and custodians of a better future. This journey starts with what we choose to do today tomorrow and every day after that.
Our values are:
Make Every Mile Matter: We act with intention and responsibility knowing our work shapes a cleaner stronger future for the UK.
Build Boldly: We use our entrepreneurial spirit to challenge legacy thinking and design better ways forward for our customers our industry and each other.
We move as one: We collaborate with trust respect and shared momentum because progress is a team sport.
Deliver with certainty: We stand behind our work. Were reliable precise and accountable in everything we do.
Fuelling The Future: We invest in our people and our potential championing learning curiosity and continuous confidence clarity and measurable impact.
