Rail Access & Interface Lead

Be the link that keeps the railway - and major infrastructure - moving. As our Rail Access & Interface Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role at the heart of complex, high-profile projects, working alongside Network Rail, London Underground, and industry partners to unlock safe, seamless access to the rail environment. If you thrive on coordination, influence, and delivering critical programmes where no two days are the same, this is your opportunity to shape projects that truly keep communities and essential services connected.

What you’ll be doing as a Rail Access & Interface Lead

• Make your impact where it matters most. In this role, you’ll be at the centre of complex rail interface delivery—bringing together stakeholders, securing critical access, and keeping projects moving safely and on schedule.
• Lead rail relationships – Be the key contact for Network Rail and London Underground, driving clear, confident engagement and approvals
• Own access planning – Secure possessions, plan, and keep programmes on track with proactive coordination
• Set contractors up for success – Ensure teams are prepared, compliant, and ready to deliver in a live rail environment
• Drive compliance & quality – Oversee accurate submissions, approvals, and safe systems of work
• Manage risk & keep momentum – Spot challenges early, reduce delays, and align rail access with programme milestones
• Communicate with impact – Lead meetings, provide clear updates, and keep all stakeholders informed
• If you enjoy influencing, coordinating, and delivering in a high-stakes environment, this is your chance to make a real difference.

This role is based at Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works, with a hybrid working approach. You’ll be expected on-site 2-3 days per week, with additional attendance as required to support business needs.

The role is 36 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

• Strong experience working with Network Rail and/or London Underground access processes.
• Proven experience coordinating rail possessions and access permissions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with contractors and ensuring compliance with rail requirements.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A good working knowledge of NR/L2/CIV/096 Asset Protection and Optimisation Management of Outside Party Works.

Desirable

• Experience within infrastructure, utilities or rail.
• Knowledge of ASPRO processes and rail documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with rail safety roles (PTS, COSS, SWL).

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £42,000 to £55,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.