Breakdown & Recovery Team Member

DB Cargo UK Limited; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Health benefits

Cycle to Work

Job summary

DB Cargo UK Limited is recruiting a Breakdown & Recovery Team Member for its Hoo Junction base. You will support the safe recovery and restoration of rail services across the UK, operating recovery gear and assisting in incidents and derailments. Training is provided, and a 42-hour week with a 12-hour roster is typical.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork and hands-on problem solving, with travel across the UK as needed and a strong focus on collaborative incident response.

Qualifications

• No prior rail experience required; full training provided.
• A full UK driving licence with Category C+E (Class 1) entitlement is essential.
• You will work 12-hour shifts on a 42-hour average week, with a 24/7 roster.

Responsibilities

• Support recovery operations and assist with safe restoration of rail services after incidents.
• Maintain safe working environments at depots and incident sites.
• Operate and maintain specialist recovery equipment, including jacking systems and packing materials.
• Carry out cutting and welding activities where trained and authorised.
• Inspect and service equipment to ensure readiness for deployment.
• Collaborate with colleagues, customers and partners during recovery operations.
• Utilise depot time to develop skills and support team activities.

Skills

Safety

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

IT basics

Driving licence

Tools

Jacking systems

Packing materials

Cutting and welding equipment

Job description

Job Title: Breakdown & Recovery Team Member

Location: Hoo Junction

Salary: £27,759 per year

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent.

At DB Cargo UK, we keep the UK moving by delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail solutions. We are currently recruiting for a Breakdown & Recovery Team Member to join our specialist team based at Hoo Junction.

Breakdown & Recovery provides a national service, delivering the safe and efficient restoration of normal running conditions following incidents across the UK rail network.

This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in restoring operations following incidents and derailments. Working as part of a skilled team, you'll support the safe and efficient recovery of rolling stock and infrastructure, helping to minimise disruption and get services moving again.

Although this position is based at Hoo Junction, you'll be part of a national service and may be required to travel throughout the UK when responding to incidents.

What will you be doing?

As a Breakdown & Recovery Team Member, you'll work under the direction of the Breakdown & Recovery Supervisor to support recovery operations across the UK rail network.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting recovery operations and assisting with the safe restoration of rail services following incidents and derailments
• Creating and maintaining safe working environments both within the depot and at incident locations
• Operating, handling and maintaining specialist recovery equipment, including jacking systems and packing materials
• Undertaking cutting and welding activities where trained, competent and authorised to do so
• Carrying out inspections and maintenance to ensure equipment remains safe, serviceable and ready for deployment
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, customers and industry partners during recovery operations
• Proactively using depot time to develop skills, maintain equipment and support wider team activities

Breakdown & Recovery operates 24/7. You'll work a rostered pattern of 12-hour shifts covering days, nights, weekends and bank holidays. The role is contracted at an average of 42 hours per week.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone who enjoys learning new skills, takes pride in their work and can remain calm and professional in challenging situations. You'll be safety-focused, practical and thrive working as part of a team.

You'll also have:

• A positive and proactive attitude towards work and personal development
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a safety-critical environment
• Good basic IT skills
• A full UK driving licence with Category C+E (Class 1) entitlement

No previous rail experience is required as full training will be provided.

Experience working in a hands‑on, practical environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What matters to you?

Here at DB Cargo, we offer range of benefits as part of your employment.

We're offering a starting salary of £27,759 per annum based on a 42-hour working week. In addition, this role attracts a 9% London Allowance, bringing the total annual salary to £30,257.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training, including Personal Track Safety (PTS), Rail Recovery Training and First Aid
• Pay every four weeks (13 paydays per year)
• Defined Contribution pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution
• 28 days annual leave
• Access to our employee benefits portal, offering discounts across a wide range of retailers and services, as well as wellbeing resources
• Health Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Charge and Go Scheme

Candidates with experience of: Recovery Technician, Recovery Operator, Breakdown Engineer, Vehicle Breakdown Mechanic, Mobile Service Technician, Breakdown Operator, may also be considered for this role.