Yard Controller in London

Who are we

First Rail London (FRL) is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The concession began in May 2026. FirstRail London is part of FirstGroup, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

The Yard Controller for WEFOC will be required to safely and efficiently facilitate the movement of trains associated with WEFOC (Wembley Sidings). The position will also be required to maintain competency in Team Member B activities (Shunting) at Willesden TMD (Willesden Train Maintenance Depot). The WEFOC Yard Controller will also be required to facilitate the shunting trains using a signal panel. When at Willesden Train Maintenance Depot they will also be required to carry out maintenance tasks on trains within their competency and as instructed by the Engineering Team Leader on duty.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• When carrying out duties of Yard Controller at Wembley you will be responsible for the control of movement into the sidings and the control of movement from the sidings to the main line – by use of the signal control panel.
• Work to all relevant T&RS engineering, occupational Health & Safety, Loss control and Quality Standards, schedules and practices.
• May be required to act as Designated Person when not carrying out Yard Controller or Shunting duties.
• The position of Yard Controller will be to ensure all local procedures are being followed by staff working on the site (ARL or third party).
• To operate a signal panel (training will be provided).
• In the event of signal control failures you are responsible to carry out the manual release of units for service in line with local procedures.
• To establish clear communication between Network Rail and ARL interfaces.
• In the event of a failure in infrastructure or equipment at Wembley Sidings you will be required to report. Also to ensure that measures are in place for safety integrity of the site during the facility problem.
• To ensure all defects in the accommodation at Wembley are reported.
• When working as Yard Controller you will be required to report near misses and accidents in accordance with local procedure (Wembley sidings will be covered within this procedure).
• You will also ensure that any trespassing or vandalism is reported via control on Compass.
• Assist the Fleet Team where possible to raise quality, safety and efficiency targets.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Knowledge of traction and rolling stock systems.
• In Train Movement experience.
• Experience working in a Safety Critical Environment.
• Driving of a road vehicle (desirable, not essential).
• Effective communication both written and verbal.
• Basic Computer Skills including use of Microsoft Word and Outlook (Emails & Calendar).
• Ability to work methodically, plan and organise time effectively.
• Personal Track Safety (Safety Critical).
• Power Plant Proficiency Certification where applicable.
• Shunter Competency.
• To undergo training if appropriate in other skills such as power plant and road vehicle driving (desirable, not essential).
• Where training has been given and competency assessed, carry out basic maintenance tasks on units.
• Required Rail Yard training, including Safety and Emergency procedures.

The Reward

• Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network – this alone is worth a potential total of £5,200 per annum.
• 75% discount off season tickets and leisure travel on other Train Operating Companies.
• Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service.
• First Xclusives – a benefits portal offering a wide range of benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24hr helpline, covering a multitude of subjects.

We all belong at First Rail London

FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, 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 a 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.