Job Introduction

Signalling is essentially a sophisticated traffic light system for the railway. It provides us a simple way to keep thousands of trains moving safely across the various routes in our network. Our signallers help us do this by overseeing train movements, protecting maintenance work and managing other unexpected issues to ensure the safety of the line through the control of the signalling equipment and communications with train drivers through specialist lineside equipment. 

Without signallers, the railway simply couldn’t function, and passengers all over the country would be affected. As a Cambridge PSB signaller you will be working in a live operational environment in a team of signallers responsible for the control of train movements of hundreds of passenger and freight services every day.  You'll work alongside our train operating colleagues from Greater Anglia, Cross Country, GTR and East Midlands Rail to ensure that we are putting  the passenger first. 

Main Responsibility

Your decisions will make a huge difference! You’ll make sure trains travel safely and efficiently along your part of the network from one of our signalling locations. Managing the signals is an integral part to passenger and freight journeys, as well as the safety of our maintenance colleagues out on track. Maintaining the highest standards in every action you take, you’ll make sure each decision is thought through, following clear, calm and methodical analysis. Even under pressure, your standards will never slip. 

You’ll be expected to take the lead in your duties during your shift. That means you’ll take command of situations, with an assertive approach and clear communication. A signaller's work never stops - this role involves days, nights and weekend working. Our safety vision is everyone home safe every day, and our fatigue management means you’ll need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location you’re applying for and will need access to your own transport to allow for the different shift work. 

As the role of a signaller is safety critical, all offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. 

The Ideal Candidate

Our signalling community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and so we’re passionate about your transferrable skills and behaviours. No formal rail experience is required, though any work you’ve done which has required concentration, is safety critical and involves communicating with others would stand you in good stead. 

You don’t need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following essential criteria: 

• Communication – variety of clear communication skills are essential in the signalling role. You'll be required to deliver safety critical information with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure processes and safety standards are adhered to at all times. 

• Ability to learn – due to its safety critical nature, there is a lot to learn to become a competent signaller. 

• Ability to work alone – every signaller requires the ability to operate efficiently and make decisions confidently on an individual basis. 

• Ability to work as part of a team – despite being able to work alone, it’s important you are a real team player. 

• Attention to detail – the signaller role requires consistent high levels of attention but varying levels of concentration. 

• Multi-tasking – you will be expected to deal with phone calls, signal trains, block lines for maintenance work and complete administrative tasks. 

• Working under pressure – due to the intense and challenging events that can occur on the railway, it is crucial you are able to remain calm whilst working under pressure. 

• Decision making – by its nature, the signaller role requires you to make safety critical decisions throughout the course of your shift. 

Package Description

Are you looking to join an organisation where you do meaningful work every day?

Our signaller roles are your first step into a rewarding career with Network Rail.

These Signalling positions are based in Cambridge PSB (CB2 1PG)

Grade 7 salary: £43,831 Salary while in training: £40,635

Closing date: 12th August 2021

Note on early closing - Signaller vacancies often receive high numbers of applications and we may close the vacancy early when we have reached a maximum number of applications. Please do submit your application as early as possible.

Click ‘apply for this job’ to apply.

About the Company

Network Rail's role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country’s economic prosperity. Safety is our priority. 

The Anglia route are growing their Operations team to better improve the service we provide for our passengers and freight users. The safe, efficient and reliable operations of signals across our network really does keep Britain moving! Combining analytical thinking with interpersonal skills, the role of a Signaller is quite simply one of the most important roles on the Network.  

Everyone matters is our diversity strategy. By 2024 we will be an even more open, diverse and inclusive organisation that is better at reflecting the communities that we serve. By putting our passengers first, our strategy will help us to provide a more accessible and more inclusive experience for you. 

We’re happy to help you with any queries you may have regarding the recruitment and selection process and to listen to any reasonable adjustments you require to make you feel more comfortable. To contact us please email: support@networkrail.zendesk.com. 

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd