At a Glance
- Tasks: Strengthen operational resilience and manage service disruptions in a dynamic rail environment.
- Company: Join a leading rail operator committed to safety and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a great pension, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on train service delivery and improve operational standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail operations and risk management, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Control Resilience and Improvement Manager plays a key role in strengthening the operational resilience and day-to-day readiness of WM Trains’ Control function. Acting as a central link between Planning, Fleet, Stations, and Traincrew, the role focuses on identifying and mitigating short-term risks to train service delivery. This position is responsible for developing and implementing contingency strategies, driving continuous improvement of Control standards and processes, and ensuring the team is prepared to manage service disruption effectively. It is a hands-on, forward-looking role that requires both strategic thinking and strong operational awareness. The role holder will act as a subject matter expert within operational forums and provide deputy support to the Head of Control when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain a 7–10 day readiness forecast, identifying risks across fleet, crew, events, planning changes, and infrastructure.
- Work daily with Fleet, Stations, Resources, Planning, and Control to identify and reduce short-term service risks.
- Escalate significant risks to senior stakeholders, clearly outlining impacts and recommended actions.
- Develop and review contingency plans and alternative service plans to support resilience during disruption.
- Support consistent, structured approaches to service recovery.
- Lead learning from incidents, including reviews and tracking follow-up actions.
- Review and improve Control-related standards and procedures with relevant teams.
- Promote a safety-led, performance-focused culture with clear accountability and continuous improvement.
- Represent Control at key operational forums and reviews.
- Provide clear operational input into cross-functional planning and readiness meetings.
- Step in for the Head of Control when required, supporting leadership and decision-making.
- Act as a subject matter expert, raising standards through best practice and continuous improvement.
- Carry out other duties in line with the role to support business needs.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong understanding of rail operations, including routes, traction, depots, and safety procedures.
- Experience identifying and managing short-term service risks, ideally within a Control environment.
- Good knowledge of traincrew terms and conditions and how they impact service delivery and planning.
- Able to use data tools (e.g. Power BI, TRUST, Tyrell, Integrale, CFF, CCIL) to support decisions and assess risk.
- Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders and present information clearly.
- Experience developing and improving operational standards, processes, or contingency plans in a rail setting.
- Well organised, able to prioritise under pressure, and take a proactive, structured approach to work.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to create clear reports and presentations.
- To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence.
Benefits
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing.
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal - offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
Control Resilience & Improvement Manager in Birmingham employer: WM Trains
WM Trains is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong focus on operational resilience, the Control Resilience & Improvement Manager role offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as a defined benefit pension, free travel for you and your family, and access to a 24/7 Virtual GP service. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, ensuring that employees are well-supported in their career development and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Resilience & Improvement Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the rail industry, especially those who work in operational roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of rail operations and service delivery. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled short-term risks in the past and how you’d approach challenges in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data skills! If you’ve used tools like Power BI or Excel to make decisions, be sure to highlight that. Employers love candidates who can back their strategies with solid data.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Resilience & Improvement Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in rail operations and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities of the Control Resilience & Improvement Manager role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a confident communicator, it's essential to demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders. Use examples in your application that showcase how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We’re looking for someone who can identify and mitigate risks. Include specific instances where you’ve developed contingency plans or improved operational standards, as this will show us your proactive approach to challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of rail operations, especially the specifics mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of routes, traction, and safety procedures. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle short-term service risks or disruptions. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed similar situations. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the strategies you implemented.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves using data tools like Power BI and Excel, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. You might even want to bring along a sample report or presentation you've created to demonstrate your proficiency and how it can benefit the team.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Control Resilience & Improvement Manager, you'll need to influence stakeholders and present information effectively. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your communication skills and ensure you come across as confident and knowledgeable.
