Graduate Operations Manager Review
at Network Rail
Graduate Scheme
Business Management, Business Operations
Oxfordshire
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Network Rail?
Extremely good company to work for who encourages you to explore your interests and supports you every step of the journey.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Rotations in Operations, Performance, Planning, Maintenance. As well as spending time with Stakeholders and completing a Signalling course.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
If you seek further opportunity, it will be given to you. The scheme gives you a very good opportunity to develop your internal CV and network with senior leaders.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Good pension scheme. Discounts on major retailers and gyms. 75% of leisure rail travel and discounted season passes.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
You are given an insight into the whole of Operations. This allows you to make an informed decision about what role you want to enter following the Grad Scheme
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Learning how to be responsible for safety critical tasks. Encouraged to get involved in long term projects that allow you to gain recognition in the company.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Grad co-ordinators are always checking in. Line manager is a former graduate so knows what the experience is like.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
3 days in office. 2 days from home. 35 hours per week. Working hours are flexible, not set to 9-5.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
company runs a strong DEI programme. There is a positive working culture and a positive attitude towards graduates throughout the company. very accommodating to various needs and situations.
How would you rate Network Rail initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Consistently running DEI events and awareness programs. The company has a large mix of backgrounds etc. Very accommodating to everyone's needs
How would you rate Network Rail CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
all employees are allocated volunteering days where you are encouraged to go and help the local community
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Fun and Friendly company to work for that allows you to work in the best way that works for you. allows you to take control and direct your own grad scheme to go and explore and experience what you want to do.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Has exceeded expectations. I was surprised by how open the organisation was and how much opportunity there was to get involved. There is no sense that Grads are looked down on or passed the easy admin work.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Network Rail?
Give Network Rail time. The recruitment process is very slow. This is because the company hires in other areas on a rolling basis so there is always recruitment ongoing. It is also because the positions are very competitive.
Just be yourself, Network Rail is looking or good people who will fit well in a team and who are receptive to learning.
Once in, you can contact anyone and they will be in touch very quickly. everyone is there to help.
Just be yourself, Network Rail is looking or good people who will fit well in a team and who are receptive to learning.
Once in, you can contact anyone and they will be in touch very quickly. everyone is there to help.
