On Track Machine Driver/Operator/Fitter (based in the Southern or Wessex region) in Rugby

Make your mark with Colas Rail UK. At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. You will be welcomed into an inclusive team with a close-knit, familial culture, and you will have opportunities to help transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

About Colas Rail: Step into a world where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure. We deliver transport solutions for sustainable mobility and are a leading rail infrastructure business with on‑track plant and freight capabilities. As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we bring over a hundred years of experience in delivering major innovations in our sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built, designed, or maintained by Colas Rail.

Leading by our Values: Our values — Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing — are at the heart of everything we do and guide our strategies. We Respect our employees, Commit to collective success, Share knowledge, and Pioneer to push boundaries and find innovative solutions. We strive to care for wellbeing, safety, diversity, and inclusion.

Purpose of the role: In this dynamic position, you will ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of rail infrastructure that contributes to seamless passenger train travel while enhancing rail safety and reliability. You will collaborate with a skilled team to perform essential driving/operating or maintenance tasks, making a meaningful impact on the safety and efficiency of rail transport. This role is based in the Southern Region.

Responsibilities:

• Attend comprehensive training programs to become a skilled Driver/Operator or Operator/Fitter.
• Perform duties as Driver/Operator/Fitter according to Colas Rail procedures to deliver outstanding service.
• Commit to personal development by participating in relevant training.
• Maintain and develop driver route and traction knowledge to enhance expertise and performance.
• Professionally report and record real‑time issues, including incidents and environmental occurrences, in accordance with company procedures.
• Communicate and escalate machine service faults and failures to the maintenance department to ensure operational performance remains optimal in real time.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with policies, procedures, and safety rules.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on machinery to ensure optimal performance and safety (Fitter/Operator).

Person Specification:

• Energetic, driven, determined and professional.
• Adept at following processes and procedures safely without requiring direct supervision.
• Positive attitude and ability to thrive in a busy, pressurised environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical, able to diagnose problems and make timely decisions.
• Motivated to learn and develop and maximise personal contribution to the business.

Ideally:

• Understand UK Rail Operation/Standards and have good geographical knowledge of the region.
• Previous experience in the rail industry as an engineer, driver or operator.
• Rail route knowledge of the region (Driver/Operator).

Essential:

• Must live within the Southern region.
• Flexible, honest & punctual; able to work weekends, bank holidays, and a mixture of days and nights on a 24/7 roster.
• Willingness to stay away from home (at company expense) when required.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Windows.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Hold a level 3 qualification in a relevant engineering background for Fitter/Operator.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• 34 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail. We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination and actively seek to create a workforce reflective of the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. We encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010. We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme and operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements. On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally. Work-life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and depend on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process. Join us in making a positive impact and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.