As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations, and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Operations Standards Specialist, on a full time, permanent basis based in Birmingham.

What does the job involve?

• The Operations Standards Specialist ensures that West Midlands Trains has robust strategies, procedures, and standards to undertake operational activities safely, effectively and in accordance with legal and industry requirements.
• Provide competent advice and assistance on operational safety to all parts of the business.
• Ensure compliance with internal Standards, Safety Critical Work Regulations, Railway Group Operational Standards, and other railway legislation associated with Traincrew and other Safety Critical areas.
• Development and quality assurance of operational assessors
• Assurance monitoring of traincrew depots / stations / shunting locations for compliance, best practice, and risk management
• Support investigators to ensure operational incidents are fully investigated.
• Act as “Lead Investigator” as required by the Head of Operations Standards.
• Control the issue of cab passes.
• Ensure robust management of employees on competence development plans.
• Deliver briefing & training programmes for any new standards as required.
• Carry out quantitative risk assessments as necessary.
• Provide expert advice on risk management activities.
• Develop safety briefing material for safety critical workers.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of legislation and industry changes affecting operational and driving standards.

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• A minimum of 3 years in a rail operations environment (5 years for Dvr OSS)
• A minimum of 2 years operational competence (3 years train driving for Dvr OSS)
• IQA beneficial, but not essential
• IRO Membership beneficial, but not essential
• Experience of carrying out accident/incident investigation
• Knowledge of office software including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience of carrying out quantitative risk assessments

What are the salary and benefits?

• Salary - competitve (depending on experience) + benefits
• Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.