Traincare Operative (Cleaner) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Role Overview

Reporting to the Production Manager/Train Presentation Support Manager, you will ensure trains are safe, clean, and ready for service. You’ll carry out a variety of cleaning and operational tasks, support new starters, and maintain high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a full range of train presentation tasks, including duty cleans, front and back-end cleans, light and heavy cleans, exterior washes, periodic deep cleans, and graffiti removal.
• Maintain facilities such as offices and buildings to ensure a clean and professional environment.
• Follow safe working procedures when handling water, soaps, detergents, chemicals, and cleaning equipment or machines.
• Support operational activities including shunting, overhead crane operation and slinging, forklift truck (FLT) operation, and cleaning of assets and components.
• Respond to customer needs with in-service cleans as a “first response” when required.
• Input and analyse data in electronic management systems such as SRMS, ensuring all documentation (job cards, defect logs, component labels, work orders) is completed accurately.
• Assist with materials management, ensuring correct stock withdrawals and efficient return of items for warranty or repair.
• Conduct regular checks, audits, and inspections of tools, equipment, and facilities, reporting and resolving issues promptly.
• Participate in safety tours, in-process checks, and condition assessments to ensure work meets specification and safety standards.
• Support risk assessments and contribute to maintaining the risk register.
• Mentor and support new starters through initial and on-the-job training, including assessments.
• Uphold industry best practices and assist in developing and implementing standards and procedures in line with legal and environmental obligations.
• Promote and embed a zero-harm culture, taking proactive steps to prevent non-conformities, safety incidents, and process deficiencies.
• Demonstrate value-based behaviours, setting a positive example and challenging inappropriate actions.

This is a varied and hands-on role where every detail matters. If you are organised, safety-focused, and committed to delivering quality, you’ll thrive in our team. In return, you’ll work in a supportive environment with opportunities to develop your skills and make a real impact on the reliability and safety of our fleet.

Skills and Experience

• Qualification or equivalent experience in a rail or depot environment.
• Experience working in teams and engaging with stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to quality.
• Flexible, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience adapting to change and contributing to discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of legislation and standards for health and safety.
• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid and Fire Marshal certification.
• Competency in Personal Track Safety (PTS) and rolling stock maintenance standards.
• Medically fit and able to pass drugs and alcohol testing (random and for cause).
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Extensive experience in operational transport and production environments, with knowledge of rolling stock units.
• Knowledge of advanced Lean, Kaizen, 6S, and modern production techniques.
• Experience contributing to complex root cause investigations.
• Strong understanding of workplace risk and safety within transport and production settings.
• Proven ability to identify and mitigate risks and maintain risk registers to support safe systems of work.