Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) Manchester

Cafmobility; Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension plan with employer contributes

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Volunteer days

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) in Manchester to drive the initial development of technicians and ensure readiness for operation. You will coordinate pathways, assessments and industry compliance, partnering with operations, learning and HSQE teams.

The role emphasizes stakeholder engagement, robust verification, and continuous improvement of training materials. A strong background in safety-critical environments is essential.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or higher in a technical discipline
• Significant experience in safety-critical maintenance environments
• Experience supporting technician development, assessment or mentoring

Responsibilities

• Lead the development journey for new technicians from induction to Initial Operational Performance (IOP)
• Define and maintain structured pathways for technical, safety and behavioral readiness
• Ensure technicians are released to operational duties only when competence is achieved
• Maintain accurate, auditable competence records and monitor milestones
• Design and oversee robust assessment and verification processes including workplace assessment and knowledge validation
• Collaborate with training providers to align learning with operational needs

Skills

Safety-critical experience

Technical readiness coordination

Stakeholder liaison

Mentoring and development

Education

NVQ Level 3 / equivalent

Job description

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Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) Manchester

Date: 16 Jul 2026

Company: CAF Rail UK

Location: MANCHESTER, GB, M40 2BA CHESTER, GB

ABOUT CAF

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers.

Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be!

We’re going places, so become part of our exciting journey.

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will your role be in the company?

The Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) is responsible for ensuring newly recruited technicians (including technician apprentices) are effectively developed and supported to achieve Initial Operational Performance (IOP) in a safe, timely, and fully compliant manner.

The role supports the delivery of initial vehicle, equipment and process training, introduction to training pathways and competence frameworks, enabling the successful assessment of competence aligned to CAF Rail UK standards and UK Rail Legislation

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Readiness & IOP Delivery
• Lead the initial development journey for new technicians from induction through to Initial Operational Performance (IOP).
• Define, implement, and maintain structured pathways that clearly set out the technical, safety, and behavioural requirements for readiness to operate.
• Ensure technicians are only released to operational duties when competence, confidence, and readiness have been demonstrably achieved.

COMPETENCE MANAGEMENT

• Ensure all competence records, assessments, and sign-offs are accurate, auditable, and up to date.
• Monitor progress against competence milestones and intervene early where development is at risk.

ASSESSMENT & ASSURANCE

• Design and oversee robust assessment and verification processes, including:
• Workplace assessment
• Knowledge and skills validation
• Practical task observation

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OVERSIGHT

• Work closely with training providers (internal and external) to ensure learning aligns with operational needs.
• Identify gaps between classroom learning and workplace application and address these through structured practice and coaching.
• Support continuous improvement of training materials, delivery methods, and assessment criteria.

STAKEHOLDER & OPERATIONAL INTERFACE

• Act as the primary point of contact for technical readiness between key elements of CAF Rail UK:
• Operations
• Training & Competence
• Learning & Development
• HSQE
• Provide clear, evidence-based recommendations on technician readiness to operational managers.
• Support line managers in understanding competence requirements and development expectations.

What will you be paid for this position?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary in the region of £46,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Relevant technical qualification (NVQ Level 3 / equivalent or higher).
• Significant experience working in a safety-critical maintenance environment.
• Experience supporting or delivering technician development, assessment, or mentoring.
• Strong understanding of competence management in a safety-critical industry.
• Ability to interpret and apply standards, rules, and procedures in an operational setting.

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including

• 25 days annual leave
• an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us)
• our generous health care cash plan
• Bike2Work scheme

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including

• tree-planting
• company-wide donation drives
• providing support to the homeless community and refugees

We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!