Driving Standards Manager

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Ensure that all Rail Services Locomotives and On Track Machines are operated in full compliance with Colas Rails' ROGS certification, Railway Industry Standards and Health and Safety Legislation.

Key Accountabilities

Safety & Ethics - Support the implementation of the Business Conduct Guidelines, Colas Rail Limited Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) strategy, associated actions and resulting initiatives, to deliver continuous improvement in all areas.

Excellence - Ensure work is carried out with a continuous view to profitability and efficiency and look after our shareholders by guaranteeing that they see value for money and a profitable business. Quality is key to competitiveness. Take responsibility for delivering on time and on budget a high quality product or service, which Colas Rail can take pride in.

People - Demonstrate respect for colleagues, our clients and the environment in all areas of work.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Promote and develop initiatives to improve operational safety across the Rail Services business.
• Development of all company operational / driving procedures in line with legislative, industry standard or company policy changes.
• Oversee the compliance of the CMS to ensure the assessment are current and up to date.
• Prepare and implement internal standards for the Driving operation of all vehicles.
• Liaise with other rail companies so best practices can be gained / shared working closely with Network Rail.
• Assist with other departments to assess train drivers subject to vocational competency.
• Conduct quality investigations into operating incidents including SPADs (using data recorder information where necessary).
• Ensure all operations are carried out safely in accordance with Rules and Regulations and appropriate Safety Legislation and Welfare Regulations.
• Carry out Safety Inspections and Tours as required.
• Promote Colas Rail's Close Call procedure.
• Collaborate with the Training department to ensure all training, assessments and competency requirements are recognised and managed to compliance and that all records are up to date, visible and auditable.
• Take the lead role in all SPAD investigations and facilitate their professional closure with the cooperation and support of Regional Operations Managers.
• Authorised to remove from driving duties any driver if doubts exist concerning the individual's capability or competence to continue.
• Implement Action Plans in accordance with investigations that require the individual triggering the Specially Monitored Driver (SMD) process.
• Advise and brief Regional Operations Managers on all issues of Driving / Operational Standards and procedures.
• Attend or ensure representation at all appropriate industry forums including TORG, OPSRAM, communications reviews and M&EE groups.
• Deputise for the Head of Operations and Standards when necessary.
• Carry out on call duties as required by the business.
• The above does not limit your duties and the company may require you from time to time to undertake work within your capability and competence.

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

• Delegate authority in accordance with Colas Rail procedures.
• Have influence in any issues that may affect / compromise individual safety ot the compliance with safety legislation relating to driving and operating procedures.

REPORT PREPARATION

• Accident/Incident investigations.
• Period reports on production as requested by the Rail Services Directors.
• Ad Hoc reporting as required.

PRINCIPLE CONTACTS

• Contact with Colas Rail (UK) Directors, Managers and Staff at all levels.
• Frequent contact and interaction with Operating staff and Head of Operations and Standards.
• Contact with Network Rail Managers, Engineers and Planners.
• Other Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and / or Freight Operating Companies (FOC).

MOST CHALLENGING AND/OR DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

• Dealing with the different driving cultures in the existing business units and bringing all these together as one working towards common objectives and procedures.
• Complying with all requirements from a safety and legislative prospectus whilst maintaining the ability to deliver competitively in a highly dynamic and demanding environment.
• Ensure effective communications strategy is operational within the department.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• IT literacy skills.
• Must be able to work alone and manage their own time.
• Competent to undertake Risk Assessments.
• Competent or working towards Signal Sighting competency.
• Competent to undertake investigations using Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong and effective communicator.
• Holds or capable of achieving Personal Track Safety competency.
• Competent to download and interpret data recorder information.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Certified for Incident/ Accident investigations
• Competent in driving duties.
• Hold train driving Rules and Regulations qualifications and competencies
• Qualified as a Trainer / Assessor
• Holder of a current full UK driving licence
• Ability to identify competency standards required as a result of legislation, operational standards and safety procedures and maintain same by audit and surveillance

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES.

• Possess the ability to maximise personal contribution to the business (customer focus).
• Ability to analyse problems thoroughly and make good timely decisions (analysis and decision making).
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships within and across teams (team working).
• Create and contribute to an environment whereby yourself and others are motivated to learn and develop (developing self/others).
• Support and challenge individuals to achieve their full potential, ability to set stretching objectives and measure progress against them. Ability to manage resource effectively (managing performance).
• Commitment to achieve results through determination and commitment, ability to keep going when things are difficult (drive).

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT.

• Comply with legislation and industry standards i.e. Rule Book.
• Comply with Colas Rail rules, procedures and working practices.
• Undertake all work in a safe manner.
• Report all accidents, and incidents with the potential to cause injury or property damage.
• Where necessary provide advice and support to inexperienced colleagues.
• Remember: If it's not safe to do don't do it.

Behavioural Skills

• Energy - 'Get up and go' attitude of a leader
• Energise - Lead, manage and inspire my team
• Edge - Maximise my personal edge
• Execute - Make things happen
• Engage - Stay close to the client

Colas Rail in the United Kingdom values and encourages diversity in our workforce, regardless of background, disability or gender. As part of our aim to deliver quality services, we are committed to promoting equality and eliminating discrimination.

Recruitment agencies

Colas Rail currently works with a number of approved recruitment suppliers. We will therefore not consider CVs or speculative proposals from any other agencies. Recruitment agencies not currently approved as preferred suppliers are kindly requested not to submit speculative CVs to any part of Colas Rail.