Operations Safety and Standards Manager (Long Marston)

Porterbrook; Long Marston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A rail industry leader is seeking an Operations and Safety Standards Manager to ensure safe rail operations at their Long Marston site. The successful candidate will develop and implement safety management systems, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and cultivate a culture of safety among the team. Candidates should possess a Nebosh General Certificate and have significant experience in rail operations safety management. Join a dedicated team and contribute to the future of rail safety.

Benefits

1.5x employer contributory pension scheme

Flexible working

25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing safety in a rail operations environment.
• Conversant with health & safety legislation and railway operational safety standards.
• Experience in implementing ROGS compliant management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain operations management system for safe rail operations.
• Monitor compliance and provide expert safety advice to operations team.
• Conduct audits and inspections to ensure operational standards are met.

Skills

Managing safety in rail operations

Health & safety legislation knowledge

Risk assessment

Accident investigation

Train driving experience

Education

Nebosh General Certificate or equivalent

Job description

Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre

Porterbrook is on an exciting journey at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire, and we're looking for outstanding people to be a part of our team at the 135-acre site.

We're investing £75m into the future of rail at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre - a major commitment that includes the development of the UK's only continuous test loop. This investment will see the site play a pivotal role in the future of the UK's railway, as an exceptional facility to test and trial new traction technologies, securely store rolling stock and provide training in a live environment.

The UK's first hydrogen-powered passenger train was built and is being tested by Porterbrook here, and we're also the home of the country's largest outdoor rail exhibition, Rail Live.

Our small, close-knit and passionate team based at the site ensures that everything runs smoothly across Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre each day, and we have some exciting opportunities to join them.

The Porterbrook group of companies is wholly owned by supportive long-term institutional investors, fully committed to the future of the UK rail sector.

Our values

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Operations and Safety Standards Manager, to join the Porterbrook team.

Role Purpose

To develop, implement, and maintain the operations management system to enable safe delivery of train driving & shunting operations, and management of associated risk to a level as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

To be responsible for ensuring robust strategies, standards, and procedures are in place to allow Porterbrook to undertake rail operations safely and in line with all applicable legal and rail industry requirements - enabling continual development of train driving capability (depot, testing & commissioning, and mainline).

To monitor compliance with operational standards & procedures, ensuring corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner, and areas of good practice are identified & further developed.

To provide expert operational safety advice and guidance to the Long Marston operations team and champion the continued development of a safe delivery culture and drive continual improvement of operational working practices in line with industry best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion the development of a high performing, safe delivery culture in line with Porterbrook's vision and values, and drive continual improvement in safety performance
• Develop, implement, and maintain the operations management system - ensuring alignment and compliance with the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS)
• Develop and maintain the Porterbrook Professional Driving & Shunting Policy - working with the Operations Manager to ensure consistent implementation across the operations team
• Develop and maintain a site safety risk register, supported by a suite of risk assessments related to all rail operations undertaken - ensuring associated risk is managed to a level as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)
• Management and continued development of the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) for all safety critical activities carried out by the operations team - ensuring alignment with industry best practice
• Development, implementation, and management of operational safety notices, and urgent safety alerts
• Work with the Operations Trainer and Assessor to ensure robust arrangements are in place for the training and briefing of new / updated operations standards & procedures
• Work with the Operations Trainer and Assessor to develop and implement an annual operations safety training programme (practical & theory) to increase safety knowledge and awareness across the operations team (notably in relation to non-technical skills) - incorporating industry best practice
• Work with the Operations & Assessor ensure robust arrangements are in place for the delivery and management of Personal Track Safety for persons working at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre (staff, contractors, and other 3rd parties)
• Carry out investigations into operational safety events, ensuring actions & recommendations are completed in a timely manner
• Work with the Operations Manager to develop and implement strategies to reduce operational safety events - based on lessons learned and industry best practice
• Maintain up to date knowledge of legislation and industry changes affecting Porterbrooks rail operations - ensuring associated internal standards & procedures remain compliant and associated working practices enable safe delivery
• Implement and manage operational safety actions / recommendations tracking, ensuring timely closure
• Produce regular management reports which include operational safety Key Performance Indictors
• Carry out regular audits & inspections to monitor compliance with operational standards & procedures, ensuring corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner, and areas of good practice are identified and further developed
• Provide expert operational safety advice and guidance to the operations team to drive continual improvement of operational working practices - in line with industry best practice
• Attend meetings on behalf of the General Manager - Operations and Safety as required

Skills / Experience

What you'll need to have

• Nebosh General Certificate or equivalent
• Trained risk assessor
• Trained accident investigation
• Extensive experience managing safety in a rail operations environment
• Train driving experience
• Demonstrable experience of delivering a positive and sustaining safe delivery culture in an operational environment
• Conversant with health & safety legislation and industry railway operational safety standards (incl. Rule book)
• Experience of developing and / or implementing ROGS compliant management systems

It would be great if you also had

• Current train driver license
• Behavioural Based Safety training
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams at all levels
• Solution focused
• Strong influencing skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment

A great place to work

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded :

• Investors in People Gold accreditation
• Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation
• National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
• National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Our benefits

We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below :

• 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing support
• Flexible working
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development
• Long service awards
• Porterbrook Star awards
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave
• Additional days annual leave for long service
• Season ticket loan

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

Equal Opportunities

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.

Accessibility

We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at [e-mail] We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.

To apply

Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.

This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

What happens next?

Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.

Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!