At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee train operations, manage incidents, and ensure safety and efficiency.
- Company: Porterbrook, the UK's leading rolling stock financier with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to employee wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on the future of rail transport.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years experience in rail operations and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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 Controller, to join the Porterbrook team.
Key responsibilities
- Overseeing train movements, signalling systems, and the overall operation
- Responding to incidents, accidents, and disruptions, coordinating recovery efforts, and ensuring safety at all times
- Following operational policies, safety rules, and procedures to maintain a safe and efficient railway
- Contributing to the planning and coordination of train movements, ensuring adherence to schedules and timetables
- Ensure clear communication in the correct timescales to facilitate the safe and efficient operations and performance
- Assist in ensuring that all work undertaken is recorded and logged in detail to an appropriate standard
About You
Skills / Experience
What you'll need to have:
- 3 - 5 years' experience
- Conversant with relevant health & Safety and rail industry standards
It would be great if you also had:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for conveying information clearly and effectively
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Ability to identify and resolve operational issues, including incidents and disruptions
- Maintaining focus and concentration to ensure safety and efficiency
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.
Our Benefits
- 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 + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave
- Additional days annual leave for long service
- Free parking and electric vehicle charging are available at our Derby office
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to Work scheme
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk. We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
Our people
To find out more about our people and partnerships click the following link here.
Operations Controller 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 Controller
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Porterbrook.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Porterbrook. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Porterbrook, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Porterbrook and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Porterbrook. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Porterbrook.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Porterbrook.
