Trials & Operations Coordinator

Purpose of the Job

To support the RFLI Operational Readiness and Mobilisation Manager in effective and successful delivery of the IM Ramp-up and Trial Operations programmes and support the wider aim of bringing the Central Operating Section into successful passenger operation. Responsible for working with the RFLI Operational Readiness team, MTR Elizabeth line, London Underground and Network Rail to coordinate all elements of the IM Ramp-up plan and Joint Trial Operations Plan (JTOP), including programme review and changes, logistics preparation and reporting. This role will finish following completion of Trial Operations and entry into Revenue Service.

The role provides a “one stop shop” for all IM Ramp-up and Trial Operations planning, review and support activities to deliver the success criteria of bringing the Central Operating Section into operation and will support the Operational Readiness and Mobilisation Manager to develop plans and workshops for the community.

This role will be primarily based at the Romford Route Operations Centre; however, it will also be required to work remotely and on occasion from sites within the Elizabeth line Central Operating Section between Paddington and Abbey Wood (for example stations).

Principal Accountabilities

• Assist the RFLI Service and Infrastructure Managers in managing access to the Elizabeth line Route Control Centre (RCC) and Back-up Control Facility (BUCF) during the trials period in accordance with the agreed access plans, in order to provide a safe and secure environment in which to conduct normal railway control activities, trials and exercises.
• Own and coordinate the IM Ramp-up and Trial Operations programmes, making sure they are up to date at all times, reviewed effectively on an ongoing basis and formally at the weekly Trials and Operations Review Group (T&ORG), and amended as required in response to a fast changing and critical railway exercising environment.
• Make sure there is always alignment between the JTOP programme and MTREL and LUL station specific Trial Operations programmes, highlighting conflicts or areas requiring additional support in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and deliver all required exercise materials to the Head of the Exercise (HotE) for each IM Ramp-up or Trial Operations exercise in a timely manner for the successful and on time start of each exercise.
• Coordinate the availability and briefing of exercise staff, including Trial Operations Trial Leads, HotEs, Observers and Floorwalkers in order that each exercise is effectively resourced and can be delivered to plan.
• Produce and distribute clear, concise and effective reporting on the outcomes of IM Ramp-up activities and Trial Operations exercises, with clear actions and emerging risks, as part of daily ‘flash reporting’ and weekly dashboard reporting to T&ORG and senior business leaders. Coordinate the outcomes of MTREL and LUL station Trial Operations to be included in this reporting to present a ‘One Version of the Truth’ view of the effectiveness of Trial Operations.
• Assist the Exercise Volunteer Manager to execute the logistical plans for each of the five large scale Volunteer exercises, including booking and making available resources, materials and marshals as required.
• Take reasonable care of your own and others’ health and safety and of those who may be affected in the day-to-day delivery of this role by taking personal responsibility for working to Target Zero principles.
• Co-operate in all matters relating to health and safety, including following safe working procedures at all times.
• Act as a role model for vision and values, behaving in ways that are in alignment with Ways of Working. Encourage and support others to do so too.
• Promote equality in the workplace and adopt appropriate behaviour when interacting with colleagues.
• Take necessary care to properly protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of corporate information from unauthorised disclosure, modification or destruction. Never knowingly put information or information systems at risk.

Main challenges of the job

• To maintain a strong liaison with RFLI, TfL, MTREL, London Underground and Network Rail.
• Managing a diverse range of stakeholders and an integrated programme during a fast moving / changing period of testing and exercising that is critical to the successful delivery of the Elizabeth line.
• To support the Operational Readiness Manager and the community to deliver the operational railway, IM Ramp-up and Trial Operations.

Person Specification

• Experience of coordinating a multi-stakeholder programme of testing and exercising activity.
• Experience at a junior / middle management level in railway operations and engagement with senior business leaders.
• Experience/understanding of the project and familiar with future Elizabeth line stations.
• Team player with good leadership and motivational skills.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to remain calm and retain good working relationships under pressure.
• Ability to work alternate weekends.
• Experience of major infrastructure construction projects on railway infrastructure is desirable.
• A degree or equivalent is desirable.
• A full valid UK driving licence is desirable.