Wheel Lathe Operator in Leeds

We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter, cleaner, more resilient freight future. Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery, driving trains, engineering, or business support, the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions, easing road congestion, strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work, with real impact.

Previously operating as Freightliner’s Heavy Haul business, we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026. Heavy Haul Rail is the UK’s next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe it’s time to move differently. Congested roads, rising emissions, fragile supply chains. These aren’t just logistical challenges; they’re environmental and economic wake-up calls. We’re here to lead the modal shift, helping businesses transition from road to rail with confidence, clarity, and measurable impact. We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial, energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rail’s team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week. Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies, including the provision of drivers and route conducting services.

What You’ll Do

As a Wheel Lathe Operator, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the safety, reliability and performance of our rail vehicles. Working as part of a skilled engineering team, you'll carry out wheel turning activities on locomotives, wagons and loose wheelsets while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include:

• Operating the wheel lathe to carry out tyre turning activities in accordance with approved maintenance plans and engineering standards.
• Supporting the maintenance and reliability of locomotives, wagons and wheelsets through precision machining and inspection activities.
• Operating associated equipment including forklift trucks, overhead cranes and shunt vehicles where authorised and trained.
• Completing maintenance records accurately using electronic asset management systems and associated documentation.
• Carrying out pre-use checks on tooling and equipment and undertaking basic preventive maintenance on the wheel lathe.
• Maintaining excellent housekeeping standards and promoting a safe, clean and efficient working environment.
• Participating in training, competency assessments, safety briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver safe, high-quality engineering outcomes.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has a strong safety focus and enjoys being part of a team that keeps Britain's rail freight network moving. You'll ideally bring:

• A commitment to safe working practices and compliance with engineering standards and procedures.
• Experience in machining environments and working to tight tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and a disciplined approach to record keeping and documentation.
• An understanding of mechanical maintenance activities and an eagerness to develop technical skills.
• Experience gained through an apprenticeship, engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience in a mechanical maintenance environment.
• A proactive attitude with the ability to identify improvements and solve problems.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the business.
• A full UK driving licence.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with rail, heavy engineering, manufacturing, mechanical maintenance or machining backgrounds. This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks.

Why Join Us?

Here, you’re not one small part of a big machine. You’re a key contributor with national significance and real-world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do, connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail, you can expect:

• Purpose that matters. Your work contributes to a cleaner, more efficient freight industry.
• Opportunity to shape what’s next. We’re new, agile and ready to do things differently, your ideas help build our future.
• A team that moves forward together. Collaboration, respect and shared ambition define how we work.
• A commitment to excellence. We deliver with pride, precision and professionalism.
• Room to grow. Your development fuels our momentum.

Our perks and benefits

Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:

• Competitive pay
• Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
• Access to the company's life assurance scheme
• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.

We know where we’re heading. We know why it matters. Now, it’s time to move, to make it real, together.