Delay Attribution Controller

Application Deadline: 23 January 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Saltley Signalling Centre (Duddeston)

Reporting To: Navdeep Brahmbhatt-Gold

Description

London  Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway is seeking a highly analytical and detail-focused Delay Attribution Controller to support the effective management of our real‑time operational performance. This role is central to ensuring delays are accurately investigated, attributed and resolved promptly, enabling us to maintain a reliable railway for our customers and stakeholders.

Operating within the Control environment and working collaboratively with Network Rail, you will play a key role in the accurate allocation of performance delay minutes, supporting both operational recovery and long-term performance improvement.

This role provides the opportunity to work at the heart of real‑time railway operations, contributing directly to the delivery of a punctual and reliable service for our customers. You will work within a dedicated, professional Performance team, collaborate closely with Network Rail, and gain exposure to specialist industry systems and processes. Comprehensive training and development opportunities will be available.

Key Responsibilities

• Making informed and compliant decisions regarding delay attribution in accordance with industry attribution guidelines and internal standards.
• Ensuring all delays are correctly attributed to West Midlands Trains or relevant third parties, with accuracy and consistency.
• Working in real time with Network Rail Level 1 Control to help resolve delays as efficiently as possible.
• Conducting detailed investigations and analysis of sub‑threshold delays to identify underlying trends or causal factors.
• Participating in joint reviews with Network Rail following major incidents to confirm attribution of delays and cancellations.
• Supporting Franchise Service Recovery claims through accurate logging, particularly in relation to unit swaps.
• Revisiting and reviewing incidents to ensure correct causes are captured, engaging proactively with train crew, front‑line staff, and available digital reporting tools.
• Contributing to wider Performance team activities, with opportunities for development across key functions.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Knowledge of West Midlands Trains’ operations and network geography (or the ability to learn quickly).
• An understanding of the wider rail industry and operational processes.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, CCF and P2.
• Familiarity with train operations software such as Bugle (training available for candidates new to the system).
• Strong analytical capabilities, with a methodical and organised approach to problem‑solving.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure while managing significant volumes of information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A customer‑focused mindset and a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Computer literacy and willingness to undertake training on any new systems implemented within the Performance team.

Job Benefits

• Competitive Salary + Benefits
• Free travel on all our trains 
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Pension – one of the best schemes available
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities