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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and supervise Distribution & Plant teams to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's railway system.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, travel discounts, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of journeys while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supervising technical work sites and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About Network Rail
Join the Southern Region where your work truly matters. Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast‑paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Brief Description
Section Supervisor Distribution & Plant: Take the Next Step in Your Rail Career!
Location: Lewisham E&P Department
Salary: Starting from IMC21 – salary offered will depend on your current role and salary – this role may have the potential to be extended or turn permanent in the future
Hours: Full‑Time – 12 month Secondment opportunity
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety‑Critical Role)
Ready for a New Challenge? At Network Rail, we're looking for a motivated and hands‑on Section Supervisor Distribution & Plant to join our team at [Insert Location]. In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering safe, compliant and high‑quality D&P works across our infrastructure. This is your chance to strengthen your leadership skills, grow your technical capability and build a clear path toward future roles such as Section Manager.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Skilled Distribution & Plant Teams – supervise D&P activities including planned works, weekend shifts, isolations, and abnormal operations. Run regular briefings to align your team on current projects, training, overtime and operational priorities.
- Plan, Organise & Coordinate Delivery – Work collaboratively across disciplines to plan and deliver resources, materials, tools and plant. Ensure safe and efficient delivery of both reactive and planned D&P tasks.
- Develop Your Management Expertise – Manage rosters, monitor fatigue levels and assess staff competencies. Build hands‑on experience in workforce planning, operational management and team development.
- Ensure Quality, Safety & Compliance – Supervise and verify the quality of Distribution & Plant works to ensure compliance with standards. Implement and check safe systems of work, method statements and instructions. Conduct inspections, prioritise resulting tasks and oversee work documentation. Prepare method statements, resource specifications and Safe System of Work plans.
- Drive Efficiency & Performance – Assist in developing forward‑looking work plans for safe, efficient delivery. Support identification and scoping of asset renewals. Allocate resources and deliver work in line with maintenance strategy and business targets.
- Maintain Accurate Records & Systems – Keep systems updated with accurate information, inspections and work records. Conduct staff surveillance, quality checks and compliance reviews. Support competence management, performance development and staff welfare.
- Commit to Growth – Take ownership of your own development and help others progress alongside you.
What You’ll Need
- Experience supervising technical work sites and ensuring safe, efficient delivery.
- Knowledge of resource planning, work organisation and delivery processes.
- Understanding of Distribution & Plant inspection, maintenance, renewal and asset condition techniques.
- Familiarity with relevant standards, procedures and instructions.
- Awareness of cost and waste control techniques.
- Ability to promote and embed safe working behaviours at all levels.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to coach, influence and develop others.
- Hold or be working towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to drive for business needs.
Important Information
This is a safety‑critical role, requiring you to pass a medical assessment and undergo drug and alcohol testing. Flexibility is essential as the role involves working days, nights, and weekends.
Perks That Pack a Punch
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- 75% off leisure travel.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Plus, more.
Inclusion
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you’re from if you’ve got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
Application Location: Lewisham E&P Department
Salary: Starting from 53200 + location allowance + role associated allowances. This role may have the potential to be extended or turn permanent in the future.
Hours: Full‑Time – 12 month Secondment opportunity
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety‑Critical Role)
Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview. Click apply now to apply.
Legal
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application. All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Positive drug or alcohol test results will be held securely and result in a 5‑year suspension from applying for a safety‑critical role.
Section Supervisor [Distribution & Plant] - 12 month secondment / FTC opportunity employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Supervisor [Distribution & Plant] - 12 month secondment / FTC opportunity
✨Tip Number 1
Network Rail is all about collaboration, so don’t just sit back and wait for the interview to come to you. Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you get insider info that could give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those competency-based interviews! Think of specific examples from your past work where you demonstrated leadership, safety compliance, or problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for the rail industry! During your interview, express why you want to work at Network Rail and how you can contribute to their mission. This personal touch can really set you apart from other candidates who may focus solely on qualifications.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Keep an eye on the job postings and don’t hesitate to apply for roles that excite you!
We think you need these skills to ace Section Supervisor [Distribution & Plant] - 12 month secondment / FTC opportunity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Section Supervisor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves supervising teams, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've motivated and developed others in previous roles.
Demonstrate Safety Awareness: Given the safety-critical nature of this position, it's crucial to emphasise your commitment to safety. Share specific instances where you've implemented safe working practices or improved compliance on site.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Network Rail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Distribution & Plant processes. Familiarise yourself with relevant standards and procedures, as well as the specific challenges faced in the Southern Region. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the environment you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Section Supervisor, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved safety compliance. Highlighting these skills will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Since this is a competency-based interview, expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that showcase your capabilities.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the safety-critical nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your commitment to safety and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented safe systems of work in previous roles and how you plan to promote a culture of safety within your team at Network Rail.
