Be the operational heartbeat of London's transport - join our 24/7 Surface Control Centre

The Surface Control Centre (SCC) (previously known as the Network Management Control Centre) is a world class operation delivering Londoner’s journeys safely across Transport for London’s Surface network including London’s iconic Buses, Roads and Tunnels.  

We deliver highly effective and efficient command and leadership of the Surface (non-rail) network by safely supporting, co-ordinating, and enabling operational delivery at a network level to ensure TfL provides a world-class integrated service to its customers and to London more widely. SCC monitors and operates London’s Road network including 6,000 traffic signals to support the movement of people and freight, as well as operating 13 tunnels including the Rotherhithe Tunnel, Blackwall Tunnels, and Silvertown River Crossing. SCC also manages London’s bus network, including 8,000 buses that supported 1.8 billion journeys in 23/24. More widely, SCC provides Command, Control, Coordination & Communication (C4) functions for Trams & Sponsored Services.    

Our Control Centre is a dynamic, exciting environment that operates 24/7 and the diverse nature of the city is reflected in our teams and our people. We heavily invest in our staff with bespoke training, career development and support our colleagues with dedicated People Managers and wider Staff Network Groups to ensure that everyone from any background has support and a voice amongst our team.   

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic people who care about making a difference and help us to continue to develop and improve how we get everyone home safely every day in an exciting and fast-paced environment.  

The Network Operations Coordinator Role 

You will be responsible for: 

• Managing real-time incidents on London’s road network, focusing on the safety and protection of pedestrians, our passengers (buses) and cyclists on the road network through the operation of over 6,000 traffic signals
• Managing real-time incidents on London’s bus network, working with Bus Operators when unplanned bus diversions are required to any of our 700 routes
• Responsible for real time communication with our partners including, Bus Operating companies, contractors and emergency services
• Support TfL colleagues in their delivery of the transport network
• Using of a range of operational tools and systems to handle calls and log response activity on our systems to keep London moving.   

The Incident Response Coordinator Role  

You will be responsible for:  

• Managing real-time incidents on the TfL Bus network; triaging and responding to over 700 Code Blue and Code Red emergency calls from bus drivers each day
• Managing real-time incidents on the TfL tunnels and high-speed road network, responding to incidents such as over-height vehicles, broken-down vehicles, or collisions in our 12 tunnels
• Responsible for real time communication with our partners including Bus drivers, Bus Operating companies, contractors and emergency services. 
• Using of a range of operational tools and systems to handle calls and log response activity on our systems to keep London moving.   

Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Ways of Working (Both roles)  

• Good geographical understanding of the surface transport network, such as the bus network, Transport for London Road Network, strategic road network and tunnels 
• Proven ability to pick up understanding of new systems quickly and able to adjust to technological advancements across control centre technology  
• Proven ability to act clearly and decisively in response to real-time operational issues  
• Experience of real-time command and control environment 

Shifts

Working as part of a 24/7 operation in our advanced control centre in Palestra, Southwark, you will be working a shift roster made up of early shifts (06:30 – 14:30), late shifts (14:00 – 22:00) and night shifts (21:30 – 07:00) on a rotational basis. There are some variations in the shift lengths on the roster particularly on weekends (e.g. 08:00 – 20:00).  

You must be able to attend and work all shifts as shown above, which includes nights, weekends and bank holidays.  

We are currently undertaking a review of our rosters, with any proposed changes due to go live in January 2026.  

Equality and Diversity    

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all the essential criteria. We also use anonymising software that removes identifying information from CVs and cover letters to make the process fair. 

Application Process

Please apply using your CV and a one-page covering letter in font Arial size 11. Think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience in this advert and ensure you provide evidence and examples of each one within your cover letter.  This is the criteria we will short list on.