Team Leader [Rail Testing]

NETWORK RAIL; Banbury; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pro-rata annual leave

Benefits portal

Childcare vouchers

Rail season ticket subsidies

Leisure travel discount

Job summary

Network Rail in Banbury is seeking a Rail Testing & Lubrication Team Leader to maintain the network, identify rail defects early and ensure track assets perform safely and efficiently. You will lead a skilled team, operate ultrasonic testing equipment and lubrication systems, plan work to schedule, uphold high safety standards, and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to support informed decisions.

A full driving licence and willingness to travel within the region are required; salary

Qualifications

• Experience arranging and implementing safe systems of work.
• Experience organising and delivering work safely and efficiently.
• Embed safe working behaviours within the team.
• Ability to lead, motivate and direct a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of rail testing and lubrication inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant standards, procedures and instructions.
• NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering rail testing and lubrication activities.
• Ensure work is completed on time and to specification.
• Develop best practice and coach team to improve performance.
• Maintain safe, compliant operations across the network.

Skills

Safe systems of work

Delivery planning

Team leadership

Communication

Rail testing

Lubrication inspection

Standards and procedures

NVQ 2/3 in subject

Driving

Education

NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

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 a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably.

Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

Central Route is the Heart of Britain's Railway. More than a million people rely on our route every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.

We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.

About the role

Salary: £45,669

Closing date : 3rd September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Our benefits:

• Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days contract dependant)
• My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
• A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• 75% discount on leisure travel (Discretionary)

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a range of pre-employment checks.

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer and 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.

As a Rail Testing & Lubrication Team Leader, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining the network, helping to identify potential rail defects before they become problems and ensuring critical track assets perform at their best. The work you do will directly contribute to safer, smoother and quieter journeys for millions of passengers, while supporting the movement of essential freight across the country.

No two days are the same. You'll work with specialist ultrasonic testing equipment and advanced rail inspection technology to assess the condition of the railway, while also helping maintain and manage trackside lubrication systems that protect the rail infrastructure from wear and tear. It's a varied and rewarding role that combines technical expertise, practical problem-solving and leadership.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and you'll play a key role in creating a culture where everyone goes home safe every day. You'll lead by example, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. Through effective planning, supervision and support, you'll help create a safe working environment for colleagues, contractors and everyone who interacts with the railway.

Leading a team of skilled colleagues, you'll drive the successful delivery of rail testing and lubrication activities, ensuring work is completed on time, to specification and in line with industry standards. You'll use your experience and judgement to support others, share best practice and champion continuous improvement, helping your team develop and perform at their very best.

You'll also ensure that the people, tools, vehicles and equipment needed to carry out the work are safe, compliant and ready to use. Your attention to detail and commitment to high standards will help keep operations running smoothly and efficiently across the network.

Strong communication and organisational skills will be key as you accurately record completed work, maintain essential asset information and work closely with colleagues and stakeholders to support informed decision-making.

At Network Rail, we're committed to investing in our people. You'll have opportunities to develop your own skills and knowledge while helping others grow and succeed. By fostering a positive team culture, embracing innovation and continuously looking for better ways of working, you'll make a lasting impact on both your team and the railway.

This role requires flexibility, as you'll work a varied shift pattern, but rosters are provided in advance so you can plan your time around family, friends and personal commitments.

Please note that you must live within a 60minute travel time of the location stated in this advert. A full driving licence is essential for this role.

Your experience and skills

What we're looking for

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:

• 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 rail testing and lubrication 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.