Operations Manager – Long Marston, Warwickshire
Our client specialises in the leasing of all types of railway rolling stock and associated equipment. Based in Derby with a corporate Head Office in London, they are well underway in delivering a transformational change programme—under the leadership of an inspirational Chief Executive—towards becoming the UK’s market-leading provider of rail leasing and asset management support.
The business is leading the way in fleet innovation and added-value services, while ensuring that fleet assets are managed to deliver the highest levels of performance and reliability for customers. They continue to diversify and innovate, ensuring they provide excellent support services for the rail industry.
Their mission is to provide high-quality, digitally enabled rolling stock solutions that help deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable railway.
Since 1996, their investments have totalled over £3.5bn, including the commissioning of over 2,500 new passenger and freight vehicles. They plan to invest over £1bn into UK rail in the coming years to deliver high-quality new and refurbished vehicles for passengers and freight customers.
A new opportunity has arisen for an experienced Rail Operations Manager to join the team at the 135-acre Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire.
A £75m investment has established a premier facility for testing new traction technologies, secure rolling stock storage, and live environment training. The site also hosts the UK’s only continuous test loop and the country’s largest outdoor rail exhibition, Rail Live.
Role Purpose
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business as it prepares to launch an innovative railway test loop in an outstanding facility.
This role will be accountable for leading the safe, efficient delivery of all rail operations carried out at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre through effective planning and management of the site’s rail operations team. This includes shunters, train drivers and depot colleagues.
You will deliver strong operational leadership, embedding a proactive safety culture and ensuring compliance with all relevant operational standard and procedures. As a highly visible and people-focused manager, you’ll drive continuous improvement and ensure best-in-class operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the rail operations team to ensure safe, efficient and timely delivery of all rail operations.
Develop and manage rosters and resource allocation to meet operational plans.
Plan and prioritise daily and weekly operations, chairing planning meetings and ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders.
Work closely with the Operations Safety & Standards Manager to implement the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) and ensure all standards and procedures remain fit for purpose.
Support the Operations Trainer and Assessor to maintain team competence across all rail operations.
Manage capacity planning across all yards and sidings to support pipeline and project delivery.
Conduct operational audits and quality checks to monitor compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Develop and implement operational KPIs, tracking performance against agreed targets.
Act as the main point of contact for external customers, stakeholders and suppliers.
Lead by example, ensuring incidents, near misses and operational events are promptly reported, investigated and mitigated.
Mentor and support the Operations Team Leader, ensuring robust management coverage during absences.
Deliver operational projects and initiatives as directed by the General Manager – Operations & Safety.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong knowledge of rail operations including driver training, shunting, and depot procedures. You may have performed the role of Train Driver, Driver Trainer or Driver Team Manager
- Previous line management experience within a rail operations environment
- Proven ability to deliver safe, compliant and efficient operations
- Excellent understanding of the Railway Rule Book, Health & Safety legislation and relevant industry standards
- Trained Accident Investigator
- Effective communicator with strong leadership and people management skills
- Demonstrable experience in developing a positive safety culture
- Excellent knowledge of railway operations (Mainline & Depot)
- Knowledge of ORR guidance document ‘Managing Staff Competence – Railway Safety Publication 1’
- Excellent knowledge of non-technical skills in a railway operational environment
Desirable:
- Formal management qualification
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Personal Track Safety certification
Benefits Package
On offer is comprehensive package including:
- Competitive salary
- Bonus
- Excellent pension scheme
- Ongoing professional and personal development
- Life assurance and healthcare cash plan
- 25 days’ annual leave and Bank Holidays (with buy/sell options)
To be considered for this role you must live within a true maximum 45-minute commute from Long Marston, Warwickshire.
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you feel you are a strong match for this role along with salary expectation and notice period tom
