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 Fleet Training & Competence Manager on a full-time, permanent basis based in Birmingham with regular travel across all Depots.

What does the role involve?

• Lead & Drive the Continuous Improvement Culture & Behaviours by supporting business safety program.
• Monitor compliance to competency, highlighting to Depot Managers where colleagues have lapsed or are expiring, and corrective action is required. This must be done through periodic training review meetings. Emphasis is on depot safety courses and occupational competence for role.
• Identify and/or create suitable training courses/packages to be delivered by internal or external suppliers in line with the RBTNA, working with the Depot Managers to fulfil their requirements. Support local managers in the creation of any development plans for colleagues, where development is identified.
• Ensuring the ‘Training Coordinator’ input data into CMS & produce report from CMS regularly, manage the scheduling of any training sessions for fleet and ensure it is visible.
• Support with the recruitment of new entrants and assist in review qualifications competence for the role. The new entrant process within Fleet is owned by the Training & Competence Manager.
• Providing leadership and support to Apprentices. Co-operate in the Planning of the annual Fleet Apprentice Awards ceremony
• Monitor training programmes for effectiveness and ensure training facilities are suitable. Monitor and produce Key Performance Indicators on attendance of training courses for each Depot Manager to action.
• Act as Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
• Champion continuous improvement activities to improve quality and efficiencies relating to train maintenance, depot operations and presentation activities. Ensure the sharing of best practice.
• Formulate the annual Fleet Training budget and ensure control of all costs are within budget and all aspects of revenue are explored and met
• Undertake any Planned General Inspections/Safety Tours or Internal Audits as required
• Develop, build, and lead the relationships with external stakeholders such as train manufacturers to ensure all training obligations are fully satisfied and performance targets are consistently delivered, through well trained and competent staff.
• Responsibility for sickness, attendance, and disciplinary policy within the team. Undertake disciplinary investigations as required.
• The undertaking of other activities as directed by the Fleet Business Excellence Manager to support the delivery of West Midlands Trains objectives.

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

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of working in engineering training is essential. A particular emphasis on railway engineering is desirable.
• Experience of leading a team, demonstrating strong and effective people management is essential for the role.
• Possess ‘Training’ qualifications
• Possess ‘Assessor Award’. Possession of previous ‘Assessor Award’ can be converted.
• Possess Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification
• Possess IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH National General Certificate (Preferred)
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent communicational skills, both written and non-written
• Excellent IT skills
• An Engineering or Technical Qualification is essential for the role, ideally at HNC level
• Knowledge and application of Health, Safety & Environmental is essential for the role

What are the salary and benefits?

• Up to £55,000 per annum depending on experience + benefits
• 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.