At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead rail operations, ensuring safety and efficiency on track renewal projects.
- Company: Join a leading rail company focused on safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth and family-friendly policies.
- 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.
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 employer: VolkerRail Ltd
Join a leading rail operations team in Sussex or Kent, where your safety-critical expertise will be valued and rewarded. We offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities. With family-friendly policies and a strong commitment to mental, physical, and financial well-being, we ensure our employees thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Operations Lead: Safety-Critical Track Renewals
✨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 researching the company and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their safety-critical operations and leadership expectations. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Operations Lead: Safety-Critical Track Renewals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Rail Operations Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in safety-critical roles and leadership skills, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key in this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your written and spoken English skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to produce documentation and reports.
Highlight Your Safety Focus:We’re looking for someone who prioritises safety above all. Make sure to mention any relevant certifications and your proactive approach to promoting a zero-incident culture in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your interest and qualifications for the Rail Operations Lead position!
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
As a Rail Operations Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed projects, and ensured high safety standards in past positions. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex operational access arrangements or safety briefings, so being able to convey information simply will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to your technical skills, especially around Microsoft 365 and industry systems like EPIC and V-Forms. Brush up on your IT skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools to enhance project delivery and documentation in your previous roles.
