At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate rail operations, ensuring safety and efficiency on site.
- Company: Join VolkerRail, a leader in innovative railway projects and collaborative working.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual 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 with strong leadership and communication skills 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.
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.
About you:
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 competencies:
- CDM awareness
- IOSH
- First Aid at Work
- Risk Assessment
- Lift Planning
- Responsible Manager
- SAC
- Fire Warden
- ALO
- MC/CC
- 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
Fairness, inclusion and respect:
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.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk.
Additional information:
Note 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 and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
Safety Critical - Multi-skilled Railway Operative (Rail Operative 3) in Tonbridge employer: Volkerrail Group
VolkerRail Major Projects is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Sussex or Kent, where safety and collaboration are at the forefront of our operations. We provide competitive salaries, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee well-being through family-friendly policies and mental health support. Join us to be part of a team that values fairness, inclusion, and respect, while contributing to some of the largest and most complex railway projects in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety Critical - Multi-skilled Railway Operative (Rail Operative 3) in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the rail industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research VolkerRail and understand their projects and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around safety and leadership. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in action! If you have any relevant certifications or training, make sure to highlight them during interviews. Bring along any documentation that proves your competence in safety-critical roles, as this will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at VolkerRail. So, get your application in and let’s get the ball rolling!
We think you need these skills to ace Safety Critical - Multi-skilled Railway Operative (Rail Operative 3) in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Rail Operative 3 role. Highlight your safety-critical experience and leadership capabilities, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about working in the rail industry. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with our values and the job requirements.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is essential for this role, ensure your application is clear and well-structured. Use proper grammar and spelling, and make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkerrail Group
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in safety-critical responsibilities and the Rule Book (GE/RT8000). Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, as this will be a key focus during the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained safety standards in previous roles will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Rail Operative 3, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led a team or managed operational activities. Highlight your ability to mentor junior team members and promote a safety-first culture, as this aligns with the company’s values.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Be ready to discuss how you’ve prepared site documentation and reports in the past, as well as how you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders and project teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology
Since strong IT skills are crucial, make sure you're comfortable using Microsoft 365 and any industry-specific systems like EPIC and V-Forms. If you have experience with these tools, be prepared to discuss how you've used them to enhance operational efficiency in your previous roles.
