Operator/Fitter (Horesham)

At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. You will be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent and a close-knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

We value everyone as part of the same team. We treat everyone as equals - and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down. We put you in control of your career to lead and grow in any way you want. We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion. We’re renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas, and daring to be different. We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations.

About Us: Step into the world of Colas Rail, where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure. At Colas Rail, we deliver transport solutions for sustainable mobility. We are a leading rail infrastructure business with on track plant and freight capabilities. As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we are part of over a hundred years’ experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built, designed, or maintained by Colas Rail.

Leading by our Values: Our values, Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do. These values feed into our main strategies and accompany us daily in realising our ambitions.

• We Respect: We respect our employees, celebrate diversity and foster a culture of safety, care and respect for everyone we interact with. We care about our employee’s wellbeing and create an environment of inclusivity and support.
• We Commit: By showing up wholeheartedly we invest in everyone’s success. We invest in our customers, our teams and our colleagues, and we lead with safety, integrity, passion, purpose, ethics and transparency.
• We Share: We share knowledge, nurturing talent and celebrating achievements to grow as a strong collective.
• We Pioneer: We push boundaries, imagine what does not yet exist and dare to do what others do not. We innovate with ambition, and we find solutions.

Even if you don’t meet every requirement, please don’t rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply if your skills, values, and experience align to the role.

Purpose of the Role: We currently have exciting vacancies working from Horsham. You will be required to work a combination of days, nights and weekends based around a 5‑week roster. MMTs are an essential element of track maintenance, they provide a mobile, safe and secure space for personnel fixing track defects. The MMTs carry equipment and materials essential to maintenance to the chosen worksite.

Person Specification:

• Essential:
• Have a Full UK Driving Licence
• Must live near to Paddock Wood, Basingstoke or Horsham
• Able to work weekends, bank holidays and a mixture of days and nights as part of a shift‑based roster.
• Hold a level 3 qualification in a relevant mechanical or engineering background
• Computer skills in Microsoft Windows

As part of our onboarding process, successful candidates will be invited to attend a mandatory medical and will need to be declared as medically fit for the role.

• Desirable:
• Previous experience working on Mobile Maintenance Trains
• Previous railway experience
• Level 4 in a mechanical/ engineering or relevant discipline

Key Responsibilities: As a Fitter you will be resolving any engineering issues on operational shifts. During maintenance shifts you will be following maintenance schedules to ensure the MMT’s are reliable and fit for service. MMTs are an essential element of track maintenance, they provide a mobile, safe and secure space for personnel fixing track defects. The MMTs carry equipment and materials essential to maintenance to the chosen worksite. As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements. Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• 34 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail. We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. As part of a positive action drive to address under‑representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010. We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.

On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.

Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process. Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.