Technical Standards Editor, RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

Guardian Jobs; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Technical Standards Editor to ensure the quality of railway standards documentation. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with technical authors to produce clear and professional content while adhering to editorial guidelines. You will also manage content tools and support the training of team members. This position offers a chance to contribute to the future of railway standards, ensuring they meet the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism. Join a forward-thinking organization that values diversity and offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private medical and dental cover

Season ticket loan

Travel subsidy

Cycle-to-work scheme

Volunteer leave

Performance-related bonus

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in copyediting technical documents with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit and proofread railway standards ensuring clarity and consistency.
• Support the management of content tools and provide training to others.

Skills

Copyediting

Proofreading

Technical Documentation

Microsoft 365

Effective Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in English or related field

Tools

Content Management System (CCMS)

Proofreading Software

Job description

One of RSSB’s functions is to develop railway standards on behalf of the railway industry in Great Britain. Agreed standards support the railway to function as a whole system, help manage risks, open markets, and reduce costs, as the industry does not have to keep reinventing the wheel.

The Standards Management, Policy and Strategy team leads three workstreams to support the development of railway standards:

1. The ‘standards management’ workstream looks after and implements the governance arrangements for developing standards and monitors compliance. It also develops, manages, and seeks continuous improvement of internal policies, processes, and procedures.
2. The ‘standards delivery’ workstream leads on economic assessments and supports the development of business cases to change standards.
3. It also provides technical expertise on regulatory policy to projects and cross-industry committees.
4. The ‘policy and strategy’ workstream sets the strategic direction for the future development of standards.
5. Its expertise in regulatory policy helps influence changes to legislation related to standards.
6. It works closely with industry bodies like the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

As a Technical Standards Editor (known internally as Standards Manager), you will be part of the standards management workstream. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of written content from the Standards Directorate while supporting other workstream functions. You will collaborate closely with standards writers and other members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in all written communications.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit railway standards and other materials, ensuring content is clear, consistent, cohesive, and readable while adhering to RSSB’s house style, branding, and editorial guidelines.
• Maintain effective communication with technical authors when copyediting materials.
• Proofread written material to ensure documents are ready to be published, providing the final quality check.
• Stay up to date on language trends, grammar rules, and industry-specific terminology.
• Support the management of RSSB’s content management tool (Component Content Management System - CCMS).
• Support the development of training and support to others.
• Support a consistent and effective use of the content management tool.
• Support the transition to a digital transformation of standards and the development of a standards’ customer hub.
• Provide support, coaching, and feedback to others to improve their writing skills and knowledge of RSSB’s house style. Support the development and delivery of training to facilitate the adoption and consistent application of new or improved tools, processes, or procedures.
• Support the team in managing end-to-end governance procedures and continuous improvement activities.
• Support the management of user acceptance testing of updated or new tools, processes, or procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience in copyediting and proofreading technical documentation, with strong attention to detail whilst working on tight deadlines.
• Ability to interpret briefs and business requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 suite and in using proofreading tools and software.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills, sharing thoughts and ideas appropriately for the audience.
• Ability to adapt and respond effectively to new opportunities, change, and uncertainty.
• Actively contribute as part of a team towards achieving team goals and outcomes.
• Take responsibility and demonstrate accountability in completing tasks and achieving objectives, actively seeking to resolve problems and identify opportunities.
• Commitment to customer service and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of our success to ensure we deliver against shared goals.
• Ability to build effective professional relationships with stakeholders, understanding their goals and motivations, gaining credibility, and influencing effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

We are committed to investing in our staff and offer formal and informal learning opportunities for development.

We value diversity and equal opportunities in employment and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we encourage candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria to apply. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme, please inform us in advance by emailing [e-mail]. Find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at RSSB: Rail Safety and Standards Board Careers - VERCIDA

If you require reasonable adjustments regarding our selection process, including information in an alternative format, please contact us at [e-mail]

We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer our staff flexibility to work within core hours and the option to vary their location between office and home. For further flexibility, discuss your request at interview so we can consider it.

We value our staff and offer a competitive benefits package, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays); a holiday buy and sell scheme; private medical and dental cover; a season ticket loan and travel subsidy; access to a cycle-to-work scheme; volunteer leave; a performance-related bonus; and a pension.