At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead driver competency management and ensure safety standards are met across the Southern and Gatwick Express teams.
- Company: Join one of the UK's busiest and award-winning rail companies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a final salary pension, health care, and free travel for you and your family.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on driver safety and performance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified train drivers with at least four years' experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
GTR are recruiting a Driver Competency Assurance Manager based out of Go Ahead House, Croydon. This is a great opportunity for an individual with a proven track record to work for one of the country's busiest and award-winning rail companies.
Job Purpose
We have re-evaluated how we can best support our drivers' competency management here at Southern and Gatwick Express. As part of the changes, we have identified the need for a new position of Driver Competency Assurance Manager, responsible for a range of activities to carry our performance and safety management to new levels. The DCAM will act as an operational expert and a role model for competency within the Southern and Gatwick Express teams. They will be responsible for the overall health, compliance and validity of the Southern electronic competency management system, and act as the independent auditor of the activities on the CMS undertaken by the Competency Development Manager, Driver Instructor Development Manager and Driver Training Manager teams. In turn, reports on key safety activities and operating performance will identify trends and areas for improvement, and plans will be agreed on addressing these areas. The DCAM will additionally undertake significant competency assessments for all driver competent managers within the training and competency teams. This new role is intended to help all Southern and Gatwick Express managers make the most of the electronic competency management system, innovate with reports and analysis and reduce errors and omissions.
In addition, the support through providing expert knowledge and guidance of the application of rules and procedures will shape a more consistent approach to all incident management and investigation, and identify areas for individual and team management performance through an independent assessor. The DCAM will identify improvements and increase effectiveness with GTR systems management, and own the training and competency team's relationship with Southern's safety standards. This will involve proactively initiating changes and consulting with key parties, and communicating amendments to process and procedures. There is a key partnership for this role within the Southern safety and standards team, and as such maintenance of a physical presence at Go-Ahead House will be required. There will also be an expectation to attend all depot areas regularly to provide guidance and support; however, this role is also suited to smart remote working. This role will be rostered to act as second line on call for operational incidents where there is no other resource available within the Operational Response team.
Key responsibilities
- Own the Southern competency management system in respect of the relationship with train driver competency and safety management.
- Analyse the performance and compliance of all assessors in respect of workload and investigation quality, ensuring all incidents are processed in a way that supplies a defensible safety outcome and plan to improve driver performance.
- Ensure operational notices and compliance are being implemented and communicated to drivers at all locations.
- Verify all assessor activities with random sampling and ensure standardisation occurs.
- Chair quarterly development centres for all manager assessors.
- Detail assessor performance and ensure performance records are provided throughout the team.
- Undertake an annual assessment of all managers qualified as assessors to ensure they are performing at the required standard and possess current, accurate knowledge of railway rules and procedures.
- Administer all safety data reporting on general operational performance, high risk drivers and assessment attainment to Head of Training and Competency Development.
- Act as independent driver competency expert for driver manager and operational assessor teams.
- Act as an appeals level manager for investigations and disciplinary procedures where required.
- Ensure all seasonal preparedness plans and projects are implemented effectively.
- Act as Level 2 on call for the operational response team.
- Act as second line on call for operational incidents when no other resource is available within the Operational Response team.
Key Result areas
- Establish and maintain confidence that the Southern ECMS systems are accurately recording and monitoring all aspects of driver competency management, including investigations and amendments to safety critical status.
- Continuously improve the use of the ECMS and develop partnerships across the industry.
- Actively refine and initiate changes to Southern operational standards affecting drivers and competency management.
- Deliver authoritative, timely and accurate reporting to ensure Southern drivers are consistently managed against industry safety standards.
- Maintain a consistent standard of operational competency for all manager assessors within the team.
Key relationships
- Peer relationships with Regional Competency Managers and Operational Response Manager within the Head of Training and Competency Development teams.
- Key partnerships with competency assurance teams in Southern customer services teams, GTR safety teams and industry partners and suppliers.
Experience and qualifications
This role is suitable for qualified train drivers with a minimum of four years' driving experience on the mainline railway network. This does not include driving experience on Metro, light rail or preserved railways. Competency on Southern and Thameslink traction and valid route knowledge on the GTR network would be highly advantageous. Competency as an A1 assessor and V1 verifier is a minimum requirement. The postholder will be able to demonstrate an extensive record in management of operational incidents and investigations and be able to authoritatively engage with internal and external stakeholders on driver safety matters. The postholder will have an expert understanding of rules and regulations applicable to train driving and railway operations, Southern company standards and driving policies. High levels of computer literacy in Microsoft office packages is essential, along with a commitment to lead on introduction of future technologies.
What we can offer you
- Final salary pension
- Health Care
- Free travel on GTR and sister groups for you and your family
- 75% off travel on other train operating companies for you, and leisure for your family
- Discounted Oyster Card
- GTR offers maternity, paternity and adoption leave and time off for prenatal care, as well as shared parental leave – all part of our commitment to family friendly policies
- StarHub – our great benefits package which, for example, includes discounts with many retailers.
Driver Competency Assurance Manager (3527) in London employer: Govia Thameslink Railway
GTR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Go Ahead House in Croydon, where you can play a pivotal role in enhancing driver competency and safety management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GTR provides comprehensive benefits including a final salary pension, health care, and generous travel discounts for you and your family, all while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within one of the UK's busiest rail companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver Competency Assurance Manager (3527) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at GTR on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research GTR’s values and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit, but that we’re genuinely excited about what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with us. This helps us nail our answers and boosts our confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email shows our enthusiasm and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the best choice for the Driver Competency Assurance Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver Competency Assurance Manager (3527) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Driver Competency Assurance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in competency management and safety standards, to show us you’re the right fit for the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise in railway operations and safety management. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate your knowledge of rules and regulations, as well as your ability to lead and innovate.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Govia Thameslink Railway
✨Know Your Competency Management Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Southern electronic competency management system. Familiarise yourself with its functionalities and how it impacts driver safety and performance. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used similar systems in the past will show your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Driver Competency Assurance Manager, you'll need to lead and inspire teams. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
This role involves analysing performance and compliance data. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify trends and implement improvements in previous roles. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've conducted that led to positive changes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about potential operational incidents you might face in this role and how you would handle them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
