MSO (Multi Skilled Operative)

Heavy Haul Rail Limited; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Final-salary pension

Maternity & paternity pay

Ongoing training and development

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Heavy Haul Rail Limited is seeking a Multi Skilled Operative (MSO) to join the Runcorn terminal team. You will help ensure safe, efficient and reliable movement of freight through terminal operations, working with colleagues to maintain high safety standards and service levels.

The role requires hands-on operation of terminal equipment, daily checks, and participation in safety training. Training will be provided, and flexibility across shifts is expected to support busy periods.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused individual with ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Willingness to learn new skills and undertake training to achieve competence.
• Experience in terminal, logistics, rail, ports or heavy industry is advantageous, with full training provided.

Responsibilities

• Operate terminal equipment, including gantry cranes and IMVs, when trained and authorised.
• Perform daily equipment checks and complete safety/operational documentation.
• Prepare trains for departure in line with safety procedures.
• Carry out train shunting operations safely and efficiently.
• Load freight onto trains and other vehicles securely.
• Lock/unlock twist locks during loading/unloading processes.
• Manage vehicle movements within operational areas as required.
• Support upkeep, housekeeping and smooth running of the terminal.
• Report accidents, incidents and equipment issues promptly.
• Participate in safety briefings and continuous improvement activities.
• Mentor colleagues after training where required.
• Work flexibly during peak periods to maintain service quality.

Skills

Safety focus

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Flexible shifts

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Willingness to learn

Job description

Together, we move what matters

We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter, cleaner, more resilient freight future. And we have the opportunity to build it.

Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery, driving trains, engineering, or business support, the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions, easing road congestion, strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work, with real impact.

Who we are

Previously operating as Freightliner’s Heavy Haul business, we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026.

Heavy Haul Rail is the UK’s next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe it’s time to move differently. Congested roads, rising emissions, fragile supply chains. These aren’t just logistical challenges; they’re environmental and economic wake-up calls. We’re here to lead the modal shift, helping businesses transition from road to rail with confidence, clarity, and measurable impact.

We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial, energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rail’s team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week.

Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies, including the provision of drivers and route conducting services.

But none of this happens without our people. We are recruiting a Multi Skilled Operative (MSO) to join our team at our Runcorn terminal.

What You’ll Do

As a Multi Skilled Operative, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient and reliable movement of freight through our terminal operations. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll help deliver outstanding service to our customers while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Operating terminal equipment, including gantry cranes and Internal Movement Vehicles (IMVs), where trained and authorised.
• Conducting daily equipment checks and completing all associated safety and operational documentation.
• Preparing trains for departure in line with company standards and safety procedures.
• Carrying out train shunting operations safely and effectively.
• Loading freight safely and securely onto trains and other vehicles.
• Locking and unlocking twist locks as part of the loading and unloading process.
• Managing vehicle movements within operational areas when required.
• Supporting the general upkeep, housekeeping and smooth running of the terminal.
• Reporting accidents, incidents, near misses and equipment issues promptly and accurately.
• Participating in safety briefings, training programmes and continuous improvement activities.
• Supporting and mentoring colleagues following completion of formal training where required.
• Working flexibly during busy operational periods to maintain excellent customer service.

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for motivated, safety-focused individuals who thrive in a hands‑on operational environment and take pride in delivering high standards every day.

You’ll be someone who can demonstrate

• A strong commitment to health, safety and environmental responsibility.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while taking ownership of your responsibilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures accurately.
• A flexible and reliable approach to shift working.
• Good communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.
• The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• A willingness to learn new skills and undertake training to achieve and maintain competence.

Experience in terminal, logistics, rail, ports, warehousing, heavy industry or plant operations would be advantageous, although full training will be provided for the right candidate.

This post is subject to standard pre‑employment checks including employment references, medical and D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks.

Why Join Us?

Here, you’re not one small part of a big machine. You’re a key contributor with national significance and real‑world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do, connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail, you can expect:

• Purpose that matters. Your work contributes to a cleaner, more efficient freight industry.
• Opportunity to shape what’s next. We’re new, agile and ready to do things differently, your ideas help build our future.
• A team that moves forward together. Collaboration, respect and shared ambition define how we work.
• A commitment to excellence. We deliver with pride, precision and professionalism.
• Room to grow. Your development fuels our momentum.

Our perks and benefits

• Competitive pay
• Fantastic final‑salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
• Access to the company’s life assurance scheme
• A flexible benefits package designed to support your work and home life, including health‑related benefits and retail savings.

Our values are:

• Make Every Mile Matter: We act with intention and responsibility, knowing our work shapes a cleaner, stronger future for the UK.
• Build Boldly: We use our entrepreneurial spirit to challenge legacy thinking and design better ways forward, for our customers, our industry and each other.
• We move as one: We collaborate with trust, respect and shared momentum, because progress is a team sport.
• Deliver with certainty: We stand behind our work. We’re reliable, precise and accountable in everything we do.
• Fuelling The Future: We invest in our people and our potential, championing learning, curiosity and continuous improvement.

For queries contact [e-mail]

Shaping tomorrow. Starting today

The future we want to build won’t happen on its own, we have to move it forward, together. Heavy Haul Rail has the purpose, the ambition and the opportunity to reshape how Britain moves. Whatever our roles, we are collaborators, creators and custodians of a better future. This journey starts with what we choose to do today, tomorrow and every day after that.