Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) Manchester

CAF Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,400 - 50,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real Living Wage Employer

25 days annual leave

Workplace pension scheme

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Professional Sponsorship scheme

Flexible Working policy

Paid volunteering days

Family Friendly culture

Job summary

CAF Rail UK in Manchester is looking for a Training & Competence Lead to oversee the technical readiness of new technicians. You will lead their development from induction to operational performance and ensure all competence records are accurate and up to date.

The successful candidate will have experience in safety-critical environments and a relevant technical qualification, with a strong focus on competence management. Benefits include 25 days annual leave and a flexible working policy.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead development journey for technicians from induction to Initial Operational Performance.
• Ensure competence records and assessments are accurate and up to date.
• Design and oversee assessment and verification processes.

Skills

Competence management

Technical readiness

Mentoring

Assessment design

Education

Relevant technical qualification (NVQ Level 3 / equivalent or higher)

Job description

Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness)

Company: CAF Rail UK

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

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.

Salary

Salary in the region of £46,000 per annum.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.

Benefits

• Real Living Wage Employer
• 25 days annual leave
• Workplace pension scheme with up to 10% contribution of CAF Rail UK
• Health care cash plan
• Bike2Work scheme
• Professional Sponsorship scheme
• Flexible Working policy
• Family Friendly culture
• Paid volunteering days
• Promotion of social value initiatives such as tree planting, donation drives, homelessness and refugee support.