Team Leader [Off Track Inspection]

Network Rail; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail in West Bromwich is seeking a hands-on Team Leader (Off-Track Inspection) to lead a team of Operatives and Technicians. You will guide inspections, fault-finding, maintenance and renewal work to keep the land alongside the railway safe and compliant, while following strict safety systems of work.

The role involves outdoor leadership, day or night shifts, and a focus on delivering high-quality workmanship.

Qualifications

• Experience of arranging and implementing safe systems of work.
• Experience of organising and controlling the safe and efficient delivery of work.
• Able to demonstrate, promote and embed safe working behaviours within the team.
• Able to lead, motivate and direct a team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and experience of permanent way inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant standards, procedures and instructions.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by business need.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.

Responsibilities

• Lead, organise and support a dedicated team of Operatives and Technicians to keep the land alongside the railway safe, compliant, and ready for every journey.
• Oversee inspections and maintenance of vegetation, drainage, fencing, and other assets in off-track areas.
• Ensure safe systems of work are in place and monitor quality of work across the team.
• Complete essential reports to support planning, assurance, and continual improvement.

Skills

Safe systems of work

Delivery management

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Permanent way inspection

Standards & procedures

NVQ 2/3 or equivalent

Driving licence

Education

NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent

Job description

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Different perspectives help us make better decisions, drive innovation and deliver a safer, more accessible railway for our passengers and communities.

Even if you don't meet every single requirement of the job. If you're passionate about making a difference and you believe you have the skills, potential and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you. Find out more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail here: Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail .

Our Route

Central Route is at the heart of Britain's railway, connecting people, communities and businesses across the country. From the busy commuter routes of Birmingham to the vital links between the West Midlands and London, our network helps hundreds of thousands of passengers travel safely and reliably every week, while supporting the movement of freight that keeps the UK economy moving. Home to Birmingham New Street, the busiest station outside London, Central Route plays a critical role in connecting England, Scotland and Wales. Whether it's helping someone get to work, visit loved ones or access new opportunities, everything we do helps keep people and communities connected.

About the role

About the role

As a Team Leader [Off¿Track Inspection], you'll step into a role where your leadership, judgement, and people skills truly matter. You'll lead, organise, and support a dedicated team of Operatives and Technicians, helping them do brilliant work that keeps the land alongside the railway safe, compliant, and ready for every journey.

This is a hands¿on role that puts you right at the heart of the action. From inspections and fault¿finding through to maintenance and renewal, you'll be actively involved working alongside your team, setting standards, and making sure work is delivered efficiently and to a high quality. You'll see first¿hand how your decisions and leadership make a real difference to the safety of passengers, freight users, and colleagues.

You'll experience real variety in this role, working across all areas of Off¿Track activity. That includes leading vegetation management such as tree climbing and felling, maintaining flail strips using a range of specialist equipment, and overseeing work in sensitive biodiversity areas, SSSIs, and wildlife habitats often in areas of outstanding natural beauty. You'll also manage inspections and maintenance of drainage systems, both on and off the track, using specialist plant and equipment to keep ditches and culverts clear and reduce the risk of flooding. Maintaining safe and secure railway boundaries is another key part of the role, from routine fencing inspection and renewal to responding quickly to emergency situations like animal incursions.

Your leadership will create the environment your team needs to succeed. You'll make sure the right safety arrangements are always in place and that everyone your team and contractors alikeunderstands and follows safe systems of work. By checking competence, coaching your people, and monitoring the quality of work, you'll help your team grow while ensuring assets remain fully compliant and all vehicles, tools, plant, and equipment are fit for purpose. You'll also complete essential reports that support planning, assurance, and continual improvement.

This is an outdoor leadership role, carried out in all weather conditions, day or night, throughout the year. At times, the work can be physically demanding, including transporting equipment across uneven or challenging terrain. You'll often be working close to live railway lines where trains travel at high speed, so a calm, safety¿focused mindset, respect for rules, and strong teamwork are essential.

The role offers flexibility through a varied shift pattern, and rosters are provided in advance so you can plan your time around family, friends, and personal commitments.

If you're someone who enjoys leading people, thrives in a hands¿on environment, and wants a role where your work has visible impact every day, this is a chance to take pride in what you do and make a meaningful contribution to keeping the railway running safely.

Salary: £45,669 per annum.

Late applications will not be accepted.

We'rea Disability Confident Leader employerand we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

Your experience and skills

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is motivated by making a real impact and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience of arranging and implementing safe systems of work.
• Experience of organising and controlling the safe and efficient delivery of work.
• Able to demonstrate, promote and embed safe working behaviours within the team.
• Able to lead, motivate and direct a team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and experience of permanent way inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant standards, procedures and instructions.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by business need.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or have attained the appropriate level of knowledge gained through equivalent relevant experience.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.

Please note you but will be required to live in a 60 minute radius from the location stated on this advert and hold a full driving licence.

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Sandwell & Dudley Depot, West Bromwich

Geographical Area:

Midlands

Closing Date:

11-NOV-2026

Job Category:

Engineering and Asset Management

Function:

North West & Central Region

Organisation: