At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety-critical track renewals and coordinate rail operations for successful project delivery.
- Company: Join a leading rail company committed to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with family-friendly policies and employee support programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in rail safety 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.
We have a great opportunity for two Rail Operative 3 positions to work on the track renewals workbank of the SID project, providing safety‑critical support to the project team based in the Sussex or Kent area.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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 will bring strong leadership capability, a proactive mindset, and the confidence to take ownership of operational activities on rail infrastructure.
- You must hold a 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 should 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), and industry systems such as EPIC and V‑Forms.
- You will 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.
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: SW, PC, AP, Points Operator, Level Crossing Attendant, and small tools.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurant vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities – comprehensive skills‑based training
- Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental, physical and financial support
Rail Operations Lead: Safety-Critical Track Renewals in Kent employer: VolkerRail Ltd
Join a leading rail operations team in the picturesque Sussex or Kent area, where your expertise in safety-critical track renewals will be valued and rewarded. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and employee growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities alongside competitive benefits such as a generous leave policy and family-friendly initiatives. With a commitment to a zero-incident culture, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of rail infrastructure while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages proactive leadership and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Operations Lead: Safety-Critical Track Renewals in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. 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 by brushing up on your safety-critical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and ensured compliance with safety standards in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, make sure to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Highlight your experience in producing documentation and reports, as this is key in the rail operations field.
✨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 proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Operations Lead: Safety-Critical Track Renewals 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 rail operations. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Safety Focus:Since this role is all about safety-critical operations, emphasise your commitment to safety in your application. Share examples of how you've promoted a safety-first culture in previous roles – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your documents well. We appreciate good communication skills, so make sure your written English shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerRail Ltd
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Make sure you brush up on the safety-critical responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the Rule Book (GE/RT8000) and be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in managing teams on site. Think about times when you provided clear direction or promoted a safety-first culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain how you would maintain communication with project stakeholders and provide updates, as well as how you handle documentation and reports.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Think of instances where you took the initiative in your previous roles, whether it was conducting risk assessments or challenging unsafe behaviours. Showing a proactive mindset will align perfectly with the expectations for this position.
