Driver Development & Assurance Manager in England

About the team? This role is part of the HQ Operations team, who are responsible for developing and maintaining the competence requirements of our operational colleagues against a robust set of operational procedures. The team's aim is to strive for continual improvement through development of people and processes.

About the job: Reporting to the Head of Driver Development & Assurance, the primary purpose of this role is to provide subject matter expertise and support in relation to driver training development, route learning, assessment and verification. You will act as a regional liaison point between HQ Operations and Driver functions in relation to risk management and incident reduction plans. You will assess and verify an allocated team of driver competent managers and trainers to ensure competence in accordance with company standards to provide a safe and efficient train service. You will ensure alignment with industry good practice and business requirements by building substantial internal and external professional networks.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Act as the author of selected IMS standards and driver training material packages as nominated by Head of Driver Development and Assurance.
• Act as custodian of driver route learning material in your region, continually check that all route learning and assessment materials are up to date.
• Work with colleagues to manage the design and issue of operational notices pertaining to route learning/assessment in a timely manner, to support the safe operation of trains.
• Evaluate existing route learning and assessment materials, engaging with colleagues to identify where improvements are required.
• Assess and verify an allocated team of driver competent managers in a range of tasks including assessment, incident investigation, competence development and training delivery.
• Actively participate in safety meetings, forums and briefings as required by the needs of the business, for example Driver Safety Improvement Group.
• Support the continual improvement of company standards as directed by the Head of Driver Development and Assurance, pro-actively identifying areas for improvement as required.
• Support Depot Driver Managers with operational training, development, and assessment requirements for Driver Standards Managers, including new entrants.
• Work closely with Driver Standards Managers and their driver teams to ensure all colleagues are fully engaged and informed on all operational driving matters.
• Participate in incident investigations, as directed by the IMS, taking appropriate remedial action based on conclusions, making and implementing recommendations as required.
• Design, arrange and deliver regional standardisation activities for driver competent managers.
• Represent the HQ Operations team in the Competence Review Process at the appropriate level.
• Lead the production, implementation and delivery of regional operational risk reduction actions.

You’ll need to be:

• Flexible and ready to respond to the demands of a changing business.
• Able to demonstrate experience of working with others to deliver results, through effective relationship-building and communication.
• Well‑versed in GWR and industry operational procedures and processes.
• Experienced in leading, managing and developing teams within a unionised environment and building relationships with trade union representatives.
• Experienced in working to tight deadlines, and successfully implementing new procedures and ways of working.
• Proven experience of effective people management.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Competent to drive trains and hold a current train driver licence, with a minimum of four years’ train operation experience.
• Competent in rules and regulations with an excellent knowledge of rules and regulations, operating instructions, industry standards, statutory legislation and experience of developing standards, procedures and briefing documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship building abilities.
• Relevant competencies including workplace health and safety (e.g. IOSH), assessor, verifier, trainer and investigator are desirable but training in some or all of these elements can be provided.

About the location: The role is based in the Central Region, but flexibility is required to travel across the GWR network, including ad‑hoc lodgings where necessary. Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week.

Additional Information: There is a second line operations on‑call requirement which will include weekend working. There will be the opportunity for some remote working, but this is variable and dependent on business requirements – every week in HQ Operations is different!

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.