Competence and Verification Manager in Rochester

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK. In the UK, the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Purpose: To ensure that all safety-critical and operational staff within the organisation maintain the required competence standards in accordance with industry regulations, company policies, and Railway Group Standards. The role provides independent verification and assurance that competence management systems are robust, effective, and consistently applied, supporting compliance with legal obligations and enhancing safety. This includes auditing, monitoring, and reporting on competence frameworks, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements to mitigate risk and drive continuous improvement in workforce capabilities within rail and terminal operations.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the sites to ensure a robust Health and Safety system is in place across Intermodal Operations incorporating regular updates to Risk Assessments, Safe Systems of Work, Staff Training and Competence, including regular briefings to ensure Group safety targets are exceeded.
• Ensure continuous improvement and provide independent advice, guidance, planned monitoring and verification of Safety Critical assessors and trainers.
• Positively represent Freightliner Limited in necessary industry group areas of responsibility.
• Manage and own the competence management system where necessary oversee system delivery and performance through external suppliers and service partners.
• Develop monthly reports including performance against pre-determined KPIs monitoring progress and facilitating regular reporting to illustrate key trends to inform strategy and planning within the business.
• Undertake regular competency audits, managing internal communication on related matters, including alerts, advisories, engagement and events.
• Coordinate internal governance systems including formal meetings and documentation.
• Take a key role in supporting an information-based strategy of continuous improvement.
• Actively promote engagement, communication and dialogue within the Intermodal Logistics team for the benefit of information flow, to embed best practice and to solidify management control and commercial and operational direction of the business.
• Get involved in any ad hoc projects, including M&A activity, as may be required, from time to time.
• Lead by example and take proactive steps to motivate and communicate with all employees, being visible to all employees across operational territories.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated in pursuance of the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Key job requirements:

• Responsible for maintaining the Verification policy to ensure it is in line with the regulations and standards for Safety Critical workers operating on the Railway.
• Drive competence standards through periodic assessments and maintain robust records to ensure continuous compliance to the relevant safety standards.
• Deliver assurance checks and audits in accordance with company and industry standards to ensure the requirements of the Safety Management System are met.
• Responsible for maintaining and ensuring that Competency records are accurate up to date and updated within the Competency Management System.
• Collaboration with internal external stakeholders to develop strong relationships for future business and to understand current needs and explore potential.
• Strong time management, organisation and prioritisation skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines whilst making key decisions and delegating where appropriate.
• Excellent data management, numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data/information, and produce, in a clear and logical format.
• An understanding of current employment and H&S legislation associated policies and procedures, and the ability to interpret and apply collective agreements relevant to the business services.
• Experience of project and programme management.
• Ability to prioritise workload and use experience and initiative to engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, innovative, and creative approach to Intermodal Operations and business development.
• Coaching and training skills, with the ability to identify skill gaps and training needs, developing staff as appropriate.
• Competent in the use of computer systems including IT Skills e.g., MS 365, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word & Excel.
• The ability to produce clear and concise written documentation and to present technical detail in a concise, engaging and a business focussed manner.
• Ability to travel and work across a wide geographical area, covering multiple locations.
• lA1/V1 qualification or similar NEBOSH Level 3 or equivalent ISO 45001 Lead Auditor (or equivalent).
• Comprehensive Knowledge of train working techniques rules instructions and Railway Group and Company Safety Standards.
• Knowledge of Rules and regulations and regulatory bodies such as Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (ROGS).

Behavioural Competencies:

• Attacks goals and objectives with drive, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Proactive approach to work and uses own initiative to implement improvements.
• Embraces new challenges, is hands on and gets things done.
• Sets high standards of work for self, and team, and consistently achieves these.
• High level of integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation, in pursuit of business growth and success.
• Leads by example and provides honest and clear leadership that helps drive results.
• Listens attentively to others’ perspectives and provides constructive feedback and coaching.
• Exhibits and lives the Group’s core values: Safety – unconditional commitment to the wellbeing of our people and safety of our operations. Service – absolute commitment to our customers based on a philosophy of mutual success. Integrity – courage to the right thing always. Respect – treat all people with dignity and fairness, fostering diversity and inclusion. Transparency – communicate openly to enable well informed decision making. Accountability – set high standards and take full ownership of our results as an individual and a team. Innovation – embrace creativity, technology, and new ideas. Excellence – relentless focus on continuous improvement and excellence in all we do.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential. 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 competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.