At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate safety-critical rail operations, ensuring efficient project delivery.
- Company: Join VolkerRail, a leader in innovative railway projects with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values fairness, inclusion, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail operations, strong leadership, and valid PTS certification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
VolkerRail Major Projects is an expert in collaborative working through joint ventures and alliance schemes. Collaborative working agreements are a proven strategy for delivering large, complex railway projects, and through its strong relationships with other major contractors, VolkerRail Major Projects has helped to deliver several of the biggest rail projects over the last decade.
The SID is a fully integrated team that will bring together the strengths, capabilities, and knowledge of the partners and Network Rail. It will own the renewals work bank, manage it at portfolio level and drive a transition to a production management ethos. The SID is commercially aligned and jointly incentivised creating a ‘share in success’ environment. Business partners within the alliance will generate profit through performance against the Final Determination.
We have a great opportunity for two Rail Operative 3 to work on the track renewals workbank of the SID project providing safety critical support to the project team based in Sussex or Kent area.
Key duties- Lead and coordinate rail operational access across assigned projects, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of planned works.
- Act as a team leader on site, providing clear direction and promoting high standards of leadership, safety, and performance.
- Manage and oversee work groups on rail infrastructure, taking responsibility as the person in charge where required.
- Plan and integrate operational access arrangements, working closely with possession planners and SSOW teams to ensure successful execution.
- Prepare site documentation, worksite briefings, and operational diagrams to support safe delivery.
- Maintain strong communication with Rail Operations leadership and project stakeholders, providing clear updates and reports.
- Deliver safety briefings, toolbox talks, and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and rail industry standards.
- Conduct site audits and risk assessments, promoting a safety‑first culture aligned with zero‑incident objectives.
- Undertake Responsible Manager and site management duties, ensuring works are delivered in line with project programmes.
- Record and report shift activities, maintaining accurate logs and escalating key information to senior project teams.
- Represent the Rail Operations team professionally on site and in the office, maintaining high levels of discipline and conduct.
- Attend and contribute to planning and operational meetings as required.
- Carry out safety‑critical duties in line with the Rule Book (GE/RT8000) once trained and competent.
We’re looking for a motivated and safety‑focused rail professional with proven experience operating in an ES or Nominated Person role within the rail industry. You’ll bring strong leadership capability, a proactive mindset, and the confidence to take ownership of operational activities on rail infrastructure. You’ll hold valid PTS certification and be competent as a COSS, ES or NP, with a solid understanding of safety‑critical responsibilities. A full UK driving licence is essential. You’ll be an excellent communicator, with strong written and spoken English skills, and be comfortable producing clear documentation and reports. Strong IT skills are key, including experience using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint), along with industry systems such as EPIC and V‑Forms. You’ll demonstrate a positive attitude to safety at all times, with the ability to assess risk, challenge unsafe behaviours, and promote a zero‑incident culture. A proactive, self‑motivated approach is essential, alongside the ability to work independently and as part of a team. As a natural leader, you’ll be confident managing and leading work groups, while also supporting the development of others by mentoring junior team members.
Desirable qualifications and competenciesCDM awareness, IOSH, First Aid at Work, Risk Assessment, Lift Planning, Responsible Manager, SAC, Fire Warden, ALO, MC/CC, as well as additional rail competencies such as SW, PC, AP, Points Operator, Level Crossing Attendant, and small tools.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?VolkerRail is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors, including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerRail ensures our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients. We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities – comprehensive skills‑based training
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. Our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive. We encourage you to read more about our FIR Strategy and our partners.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk.
Additional informationNote for Recruitment Agencies: Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries be directed to careers@volkerwessels.co.uk.
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff.
Safety Critical - Multi-skilled Railway Operative (Rail Operative 3) in Kent employer: Volkerrail Group
VolkerRail Major Projects is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the Sussex and Kent areas where safety and collaboration are at the forefront of our operations. We provide competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. With a focus on fairness, inclusion, and respect, we empower our employees to take ownership of their roles while fostering a culture of continuous growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety Critical - Multi-skilled Railway Operative (Rail Operative 3) in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join railway forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Rail Operative gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! If you get the chance, volunteer for projects or safety briefings to demonstrate your leadership and safety focus. It’s all about making a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safety-critical responsibilities and operational access arrangements. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a zero-incident culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Safety Critical - Multi-skilled Railway Operative (Rail Operative 3) in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in safety-critical roles. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since we're after someone with strong leadership capabilities, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your documents are easy to read and free from jargon.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkerrail Group
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with the safety-critical responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented safety measures in past roles, and demonstrate your understanding of the Rule Book (GE/RT8000) during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Rail Operative 3, you'll need to lead and coordinate teams effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or project, and be ready to share how you promote high standards of performance and safety on site.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical aspects or safety briefings. Prepare to explain how you would maintain clear updates and reports for stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Employers are looking for a proactive mindset. Be ready to discuss situations where you took initiative, whether it was assessing risks or mentoring junior team members. Highlight your ability to work independently while also being a supportive team player.
