Great journeys start with great people
Here at LNER, we're shaping the future of rail on one of the UK's most iconic routes. From our high-speed Azuma fleet, redefining long-distance travel, to our next generation of trains, Serenza, this is a moment of real transformation for LNER. We're investing in cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and most importantly our people, to deliver outstanding experiences for our customers. There has never been a more exciting time to grow your career with LNER!

So, what exactly does our National Operations Standards Manager do? 

Our National Operations Standards Manager plays a key role in making sure LNER operates safely, consistently and in line with regulatory and industry requirements. Leading the development, governance and continuous improvement of operational standards and relevant elements of our Safety Management System, this role turns complex requirements, assurance findings and industry learning into clear, practical standards that work for our people and our operation. 

Working across LNER and with key industry partners, the role provides expert operational standards advice, supports organisational learning and represents LNER at industry and regulatory forums. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Lead the development, review and continuous improvement of LNER's operational standards, policies, procedures and relevant elements of the Safety Management System.
• Lead operational standards assurance activity, including Safety Management System and RM3 based audits, using findings and trends to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide oversight and governance of operational investigations, including setting investigation remits, reviewing investigation quality and acting as Designated Competent Person when required.
• Lead LNER's Train Driver Licensing and Certificates Regulations arrangements and act as the principal contact with the ORR for train driver licensing.
• Manage LNER's Rule Book, operational instructions and standards documentation, including the review and implementation of relevant industry and operational change.
• Identify and embed learning from investigations, assurance activity, RAIB, RSSB, ORR and the wider rail industry.
• Represent LNER at relevant industry groups, consultations and operational forums, building strong relationships and helping to influence future standards and practices.

What you'll need 

This is a senior specialist role where strong operational credibility, sound judgement and the ability to make complex information clear and practical are essential. The role needs someone who can see the bigger picture while maintaining a strong eye for detail, confidently challenge where needed and build effective relationships across LNER and the wider industry. 

We are looking for: 

• Significant experience in a senior safety, operational standards or operational role, ideally within rail or another safety critical environment.
• Strong knowledge of railway operational requirements, rules, standards, regulations and industry governance.
• Experience of developing, maintaining or assuring Safety Management Systems, alongside strong audit and assurance experience.
• Formal accident and incident investigation training, with experience of leading investigations and producing high quality reports.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, assess risk and make well informed decisions.
• Proven leadership and influencing skills, with excellent written and verbal communication and the confidence to constructively challenge at all levels.
• An Internal Quality Assurance or Internal Verifier qualification, equivalent competence, or a commitment to working towards one.

A degree, higher degree or relevant professional or business qualification would be desirable, as would membership of the Institution of Railway Operators, Chartered Membership of IOSH or equivalent professional accreditation. 

Practical operational railway experience, knowledge of Train Driver Licensing requirements and experience of working with Network Rail, RSSB, ORR, RAIB or HMRI would also be advantageous. 

How you'll work 

This role sits within our Safety and Environment team in the Engineering and Safety Directorate, reporting to the Operations Standards Delivery Manager. 

Collaboration is a big part of the role. Working with colleagues across Service Delivery, Engineering, Health and Wellbeing and other areas of LNER, the National Operations Standards Manager provides trusted specialist advice while helping teams understand and effectively apply operational standards. 

There is also significant engagement with industry partners and regulatory bodies, so some travel across the LNER network and attendance at external meetings and forums will form part of the role. 

The base location and working arrangements will be as specified in the contract. 

You'll enjoy

• • Free travel on LNER, plus 75% off other companies' tickets (for you and your dependants).
  • Discounted international train tickets (after one year's service).
  • 50% discount on LNER tickets for friends and family.
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • Annual cycle to work schemes/electric vehicle scheme.
  • Discount, savings and cashback scheme from top retailers.
  • Health and wellbeing schemes and discounts.
  • A host of training opportunities to help further your career.
  • Rewards and awards to recognise when you shine.

Life at LNER
We're on a mission to become the UK's most loved, forward-thinking, and responsible train operating company in the UK. This means making a real difference by doing the right thing for our customers, our people, and the communities and destinations we serve. Together, we're shaping the future of rail travel through our passion, our innovation, and our extraordinary people. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive and engaged culture that supports everyone at every stage of their journey. This means that when you're with LNER, you can truly be yourself—and it's why so many of our colleagues choose to stay and grow with us.

• • Diversity and inclusion – We are passionate about building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively create opportunities to inspire and attract diverse talent to join LNER. We are committed to supporting all candidates, so if you require any adjustments or assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
  • Developing our people – We're creating a learning culture that enables our people to be the best they can be. We support development and career journeys with the right tools and resources, aligned to our people priorities: readiness for Great British Rail, the future world of work and strong, people focused leadership that delivers for our people, customers, and business.
  • Health and wellbeing - To create a culture where our people can perform at their best, the physical health and mental wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us.  

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 
At LNER, safety is our top priority. If your application is successful and you're new to the business, we'll carry out a basic DBS check as part of our pre-employment process. This is only takes place once a conditional job offer has been made. The DBS check looks for any unspent convictions and conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. If there's evidence of an unspent conviction or a conditional caution, the details of these will be reviewed internally by a cross functional panel on a case-by-case basis before a final offer of employment is confirmed. Please note that in some cases, this may result in an offer being withdrawn. Further information on how we collect and use this data is available on our privacy notice. 

Medical screening 
We're a safety conscious business, so when joining LNER in any role you'll need to pass a medical screening and a drugs and alcohol test before we can confirm an unconditional job offer. For safety-critical roles, a safety-critical medical will also be required. Our Talent Team will be on hand to guide you through the process and will send you a medical questionnaire by email. Once complete, this will go directly to our in-house Health and Wellbeing team who will contact you to arrange a convenient location, date and time for your medical appointment. We currently have clinics in Kings Cross, Doncaster, Newcastle and Edinburgh. The sooner we can do it, the better, so please try to be flexible with your availability. Once your medical is approved, we'll finalise any last details and look forward to you joining the team!

How to apply 
We have fantastic opportunities for people from all different backgrounds, so now is the time to join the team at LNER.

Click ‘Apply Now' and start your journey here!