Assistant Controller - Carlisle About the roleAt Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), safety, reliability and teamwork sit at the heart of everything we do — and our Rail Control Room is no exception.As an Assistant Controller, you’ll play a critical role in keeping our rail operations running safely, securely and on time. Working alongside the Controller, you’ll help manage real‑time national train operations, communicate with customers and stakeholders, and ensure our services meet the highest rail and nuclear industry standards.This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on role where no two days are the same. If you thrive under pressure, enjoy problem‑solving in real time and want to make a genuine impact on nationally significant operations, this could be the role for you. What you’ll be doingYou’ll be a key part of the Control Room team, supporting the delivery of NTS Rail’s train services by: Supporting the Controller in managing real‑time rail operations, ensuring safety, security and reliability at all times Carrying out all required TOPS Control Room activities, including: Calling and amending schedules Consisting trains Producing train lists Locating vehicles Managing maintenance windows Handling vehicle defects (including red and green card processes) Acting in line with Railway Group Standards, the Control Manual and company procedures Supporting effective responses to operating incidents and emergencies, including notifying on‑call colleagues when required Acting as a professional interface between customers, internal teams, suppliers and Network Rail, supporting service recovery and disruption management Booking train crew on and off duty and, when required, briefing them on operational and duty requirements Supporting short‑notice resource changes and operational challenges Providing clear, accurate and timely service updates, including delays, cancellations and alterations Assisting with Schedule 8 dispute management alongside the Senior Performance Controller Monitoring RT3973 forms and flagging when re‑issue is required Supporting the Nuclear Control Room at Sellafield, as required Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of safety, security and operational procedures Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the Operations team Living our NTS culture values every day: Freedom – creating space for people to perform Helpfulness – supporting colleagues and customers Drive – being confident, curious and innovative About youYou’ll bring a strong rail operations background, a calm and professional approach, and a real commitment to teamwork and safety.You’ll have: GCSEs / NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) A higher‑level qualification in a related field (desirable) Experience working within the rail industry Experience in customer‑focused environments Confidence interacting with people at all levelsYou’ll know your way around: Rail industry operations TOPS Nuclear industry requirements The NTS Rail business environmentYou’ll be someone who: Holds high standards and is results‑focused Communicates clearly, calmly and professionally Is highly organised with strong time‑management skills Works well as part of a team while using their own initiative Can work confidently and accurately without close supervision Is customer‑focused and solution‑drivenTechnical skills include: TOPS (core) Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook (core) Systems such as Trust, CCF, NROL, Q‑Pulse Familiarity with Control Manuals, Emergency and Security Plans, Rule Book modules and RADSAFE awareness (or willingness to learn)⚙️ Key information Team size: Approx. 11 (no direct reports) Travel: Willingness to travel as required Flexibility: Able to work shifts and adopt a flexible approach Medical: Medically fit to required standard Additional responsibilities: First Aid and Fire Warden duties where applicable Who you’ll work with Rail Division Senior Leadership Team NTS colleagues across the business Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and NDA Group partners Commercial customers and suppliers UK Government organisations Regulators and other key external stakeholders Safety, security & complianceAt NTS, safety and security are paramount. You’ll be expected to: Comply with all company rules, standards and procedures Meet the requirements of the Official Secrets Act Fulfil your responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Undertake any reasonable duties within the scope of your role and gradePlease note: Duties may vary in line with business needs. Work location will be agreed with your line manager and may change to meet operational requirements.The Kind of People We’re Looking ForWe’re interested in who you are, not just what’s on your CV.You’re likely to thrive at NTS if you: Take ownership of your work and enjoy being trusted to deliver Are collaborative, approachable and naturally supportive of others Care about doing the right thing, in the right way Are curious and motivated to learn, improve and grow Communicate openly and act with integrity and respect Are comfortable working in a purpose‑driven, safety‑critical environmentYou don’t need to tick every box on day one — we value potential, attitude and alignment with our culture just as much as experience.Benefits 30 Days holidays plus 8 bank holidays Buy / Sell annual leave Health shield Nuclear Pension scheme Hybrid working Family friendly The companyWe are the leading global provider of safe, secure and reliable nuclear transport solutions that make the world safer and more sustainable.As part of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, we support the largest environmental restoration programme in Europe, and we use our specialist transport and logistics expertise to help customers and partners around the world solve their own complex challenges.
