At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.
- Company: Join Porterbrook, the UK's leading rolling stock financier with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team recognised for excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us
At the heart of the rail network for over three decades, Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains. By working together with our partners, we deliver high-quality, agile rolling stock solutions that ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, sustainable and fit for the future. We don't just provide trains - we provide a customer-focused platform for long-term success. Since 1994, Porterbrook has invested over 4bn in new rolling stock including 1bn of capital in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure in the last five years. With our strategic and empathetic funding solutions, we're actively looking to invest a further 1bn in the years ahead.
About the team
Our Long Marston Operations Team provide onsite logistical solutions and support services, tailored to our internal and external customers' needs. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, professionally trained depot team.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Operations Manager, to join the Porterbrook team.
Key responsibilities:
- Management of the LM RIC rail operations team, ensuring effective utilisation of competent resource to safely deliver rail operations plans.
- Development of rosters for the rail operations team, ensuring sufficient available resource to deliver operations plans at all times.
- Management of welfare of rail operations team members in line with company procedures.
- Lead the planning of all rail operations carried out at LM RIC, ensuring plans are suitably prioritised, and effectively visualised & communicated to the rail operations team and all other affected stakeholders on a daily basis.
- Chair daily and weekly rail operations planning meetings.
- Work with the Operations Trainer & Assessor to ensure that rail operations team members have the required competence to carry out the full range of their duties and that such competence is maintained at all times.
- Work with the Operations Safety & Standards Manager to implement the fatigue risk management system (FRMS) to proactively monitor levels of fatigue within the rail operations team, and enable timely intervention to mitigate associated risk.
- Work with the Operations Safety & Standards Manager to ensure that operational standards, procedures, and rules are fit for purpose and are effectively implemented, regularly reviewed, and updated to incorporate best practice.
- Carry out operational audits and quality checks to proactively monitor levels of compliance with operational standards, procedures, and rules - and to identify areas of good practice.
- Develop and implement a suite of KPIs to enable proactive monitoring of operational delivery performance - delivering or exceeding against agreed targets.
- Management of capacity planning within all yards and sidings across the site to support pipeline planning.
- Act as the main point of contact for external rail operations customers/ stakeholders and third-party suppliers.
- Gain, and maintain depot driving and shunting competence to enable such duties to be performed as a contingency measure as required.
- Ensure all operational safety events and near misses are reported and investigated in a timely manner.
- Assist the Operations Safety & Standards Manager with the production, review, and update of risk assessments to cover the full scope of rail operations at LM RIC to ensure associated safety risk is managed to a level As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
- Ensure operations notices, bulletins, and urgent safety alerts are produced and briefed to all affected parties in a timely manner - and displayed on the operations notice board.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to the Operations Team Leader to support continued development and enable robust operations management cover capability during periods of absence.
- Responsible for the delivery of operations team actions and recommendations following audit, inspections, and investigation findings.
- Attend rail operations meetings with and/ or on behalf of the General Manager - Operations & Safety as required.
- Carry out projects as required by the General Manager - Operations & Safety as required.
- Source external rail operations support as required.
About you
Skills / Experience
What you'll need to have:
- Thorough knowledge of training driving, and shunting techniques within depots, yards & sidings.
- Previous line management of rail operations teams - including train drivers and/ or shunters.
- Formal management qualification (Desirable).
- IOSH Managing Safely (Desirable).
- Trained Accident Investigator.
- Personal Track Safety (Desirable).
- Behavioural Based Safety training (Desirable).
- Excellent knowledge of railway operations (Mainline & Depot).
- Conversant with the Railway Rule Book.
- Familiar with relevant Health & Safety Legislation and Rail Industry Standards.
- Knowledge of ORR guidance document 'Managing Staff Competence - Railway Safety Publication 1'.
- Excellent knowledge of non-technical skills in a railway operational environment.
It would be great if you also had:
- Extensive experience in performing rail operations including train driving (mainline & depot), and shunting.
- Previous experience in leading/ managing rail operations teams.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering a positive and sustaining safe delivery culture in an operational environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams.
A great place to work
We have a collaborative work ethic with our team members across the company, and with our customers and suppliers. In Derby, London and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right jobs, all striving to drive excellence through strong partnerships that create value for all. We promote a high-performing culture where everyone is supported to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. We have a close-knit, diverse team that looks out for each other, and supports our colleagues, communities and the next generation of the railway family.
In recognition of this we have been awarded:
- Investors in People Gold accreditation.
- Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation.
- Engineering and Safety Award Railway Innovation 2025.
These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.
Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:
- 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme.
- Financial wellbeing support.
- Flexible working.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
- Ongoing support with professional and personal development.
- Long service awards.
- Porterbrook Star awards.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- 25 days' annual leave.
Operations Manager - Long Marston in Hampton employer: Porterbrook
Porterbrook is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire. With a strong focus on employee welfare and professional development, we provide attractive benefits such as a contributory pension scheme and generous annual leave, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that empowers our team to excel in rail operations management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Long Marston in Hampton
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Porterbrook and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Porterbrook!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Porterbrook keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Long Marston in Hampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Porterbrook:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Porterbrook. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Porterbrook.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Porterbrook that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Porterbrook. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
