Static Ground Staff

Together, we move what matters. 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.

As a member of our team working as Groundstaff, you will ensure that the preparation and movement of trains or vehicles are carried out in a safe, punctual, and economical manner in accordance with the rules and regulations currently in force. Our Groundstaff team work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. Our Groundstaff play a key role in the running of our operations. You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to demonstrate how your transferrable skills meet the following:

• Excellent communication skills enabling you and the team around you to work safely and effectively.
• Demonstrable experience in following robust rules and procedures - in the safety critical environment in which you will work, it is important that you are compliant with established procedures.
• Working under pressure - in this safety critical, busy role it is important that you feel comfortable working under pressure.
• A strong safety conscious attitude and feel comfortable to challenge potentially unsafe behaviours and practices.
• Must live within a 60 minute drive of the base depot.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• To ensure the movement of trains or vehicles are carried out in a safe, punctual and economical manner in accordance with the rules and regulations currently in force.
• To ensure a quality shunting and train preparation service for the company and its customers, whilst maintaining standards of competency.
• Ensure all documentation is completed correctly as per procedure.
• Under instruction, ensure that all post arrival and pre departure checks are carried out and that all appropriate documentation in connection with rail movements is completed and filed.
• Marshall train formation as required.
• Control movements concerned with the attaching, detaching or stabling in a safe and efficient manner.
• Undertake train preparation duties as required.
• Carry out wagon examination to Company MIE standards, report any defects immediately.
• Undertake any training the post requires.
• Read and update all notices that may affect your work.
• Communicate effectively with other staff in the interests of safety.
• Comply with the rules as defined in the rulebook and appendix and undergo the proficiency assessments as prescribed.
• Liaise with and ensure security issues are dealt with in the company’s interest.
• Undertake additional/alternative work as requested by management.

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.

We know where we’re heading. We know why it matters. Now, it’s time to move, to make it real, together. For queries contact careers@heavyhaulrail.co.uk.

Shaping tomorrow. Starting today. The future we want to build won’t happen on its own, we have to move it forward, together. Heavy Haul Rail has the purpose, the ambition and the opportunity to reshape how Britain moves. Whatever our roles, we are collaborators, creators and custodians of a better future. This journey starts with what we choose to do today, tomorrow and every day after that.

Our values are:

• Make Every Mile Matter: We act with intention and responsibility, knowing our work shapes a cleaner, stronger future for the UK.
• Build Boldly: We use our entrepreneurial spirit to challenge legacy thinking and design better ways forward, for our customers, our industry and each other.
• We move as one: We collaborate with trust, respect and shared momentum, because progress is a team sport.
• Deliver with certainty: We stand behind our work. We’re reliable, precise and accountable in everything we do.
• Fuelling The Future: We invest in our people and our potential, championing learning, curiosity and continuous improvement.