Section Manager: Rail Testing & Lubrication Lead

Network Rail; Brighton; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 28 days

Defined benefit pension

Rail season ticket subsidy

Leisure travel discount

Volunteer leave

Carer's leave

Healthcare scheme

Gympass discounts

Cycle to Work

Parental leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Brighton is seeking a Section Manager for Rail Testing & Lubrication to oversee testing, lubrication, defect correction and maintenance across a key network section. You will lead in-house teams and contractors, ensuring assets stay in top condition and trains run safely and reliably.

The role demands flexible shifts, including days, nights and weekends, with a strong emphasis on safety, budgeting and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex rail testing and lubrication maintenance programmes.
• Strong commitment to safe working practices and embedding safe behaviours.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to coach, influence and drive performance.
• Knowledge of rail testing technologies, lubrication systems and maintenance techniques.
• Ability to lead improvement initiatives and manage change effectively.
• Confident written and verbal communication, with strong influencing skills.
• Willingness to work days, nights and weekends as part of a flexible shift pattern.
• NVQ Level 3 or 4, or equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline.
• Experience managing budgets and cost control.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a fully compliant testing and lubrication work programme.
• Manage, develop and motivate a large multidisciplinary maintenance team.
• Oversee rail testing, lubrication, defect correction and asset renewal.
• Plan, inspect and deliver tactical and planned maintenance activities.
• Manage resources, budgets and contractors to meet cost, quality and performance targets.
• Drive team engagement, development and a strong safety-first culture.
• Respond promptly to operational issues, including during nights and weekends.

Skills

Rail testing leadership

Lubrication maintenance

Safety-first culture

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder communication

Education

NVQ Level 3/4 in relevant discipline

Job description

Network Rail in Brighton is seeking a Section Manager for Rail Testing & Lubrication to oversee testing, lubrication, defect correction and maintenance across a key network section. You will lead in-house teams and contractors, ensuring assets stay in top condition and trains run safely and reliably.

The role demands flexible shifts, including days, nights and weekends, with a strong emphasis on safety, budgeting and continuous improvement.