Team Leader [Welding]

ENGINEERINGUK; Blakeley Hall; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail in the West Midlands is seeking an experienced Team Leader for a welding and grinding focused role at Sandwell & Dudley Depot. You\'ll lead a team of Operatives and Technicians on outdoor safety-critical work, directing inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal activities while hands-on when needed.

The role emphasises safe systems of work, on-time delivery, and high standards of quality in a live railway environment.

Qualifications

• Experience of arranging and implementing safe systems of work.
• Ability to lead, motivate and direct a team on site.
• Knowledge of welding and grinding inspection, faulting and renewal techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Operatives and Technicians on site.
• Plan, organise and direct work ensuring it is delivered right first time.
• Establish and maintain safe systems of work and monitor quality and compliance.

Skills

Safe systems of work

Team leadership

Welding inspection

Grinding inspection

Communication

Driving

Education

NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent

Job description

Employer Network Rail Location Sandwell & Dudley Depot, West Bromwich, Midlands Salary £45,669 per annum Closing date 25 Oct 2026

Sector: Construction and Building Services. Role: Manager. Contract Type: Permanent. Hours: Full Time

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 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

Do you have railway welding experience and a strong technical grounding in electric arc welding as well as Thermite Welding?

At Network Rail, welding and grinding are critical to keeping the railway safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. We use a variety of welding techniques, including thermite welding and electric arc welding, to join rail sections and repair damaged infrastructure. Alongside this, grinding trains and hand grinding are used to remove material from the railhead, improving ride quality and extending the life of the rail. These activities sit at the heart of how we maintain and renew the network.

As a Team Leader, you'll take responsibility for leading a team of Operatives and Technicians. You'll direct, organise, and motivate your team while remaining hands on, involved in everything from inspection and faulting through to maintenance and renewal activities. Your leadership will set the tone on site, ensuring work is planned effectively and delivered right first time.

Safety will always come first. You'll establish and maintain appropriate safe systems of work, ensuring both Network Rail staff and contractors follow the required standards and procedures. You'll proactively monitor the quality of work, check the competence of your team, and make sure assets remain compliant. You'll also be responsible for confirming that vehicles, plant, tools, equipment, and materials are suitable and fit for purpose, as well as compiling and maintaining essential reports.

This is an outdoor, safety critical role carried out in all conditions, throughout the year, across days, nights, and weekends. The work can be physically demanding, often involving the movement of equipment across uneven or challenging terrain. You'll frequently be working close to live railway operations, with trains passing at high speed, so a calm, disciplined approach and an uncompromising focus on safety are essential.

This role is ideal for an experienced railway welding and grinding professional who wants to combine technical expertise with leadership responsibility, take pride in setting high standards, and play a key role in keeping the railway moving safely every day.

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 60 minute travel time of the location stated in this advert. A full driving licence is essential for this role.

Other information

Salary: £45,669 per annum

Closing date: 08/10/2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

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.

Your experience and skills

• 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 welding and grinding 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.

*** (Aluminothermic Welding and/or Electric Arc (FCAW))

Company

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