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 Control Competency & Training Manager, on a Full Time Permanent Basis based in Rugby to  lead the development and skill maintenance of the Control Team to ensure that staff are competent and confident in the delivery of their critical duties. Act as the custodian of the competence management system for Controller grades, developing both competence and capability across the team to support the robust and safe management of the train service delivery. 

To utilise Control Competency and Assessor based experience to design, write, deliver and update Briefs and Training for Controllers.

What does the job involve? 

• To act as the custodian of the Competency Management System within Control, including management of a robust assurance process to measure both compliance and effectiveness of function, and update the CMS as required
• To act as custodian of the Risk Based Training Needs Analysis (RBTNA) documents for Controllers, identifying delivery methods and changes to content in line with Internal or Industry based requirements and best practise
• Maintain a robust competency assessment and verification framework of Controllers in line with WMT standards and procedures. This will require some shift work to match those worked by the individuals being assessed
• Set the competency development strategy, embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the Control function
• Lead as an Operational Specialist within the Control to promote operational excellence, improve safety, and raise overall service quality. Embed a culture where safety is the first concern and considered in a proportional risk-based approach 
• Ensure robust communications from Control that deliver high standards of spoken and written communication across various media, with periodic samples taken from Log entries, Teams communications, Voice comms and internal business messaging for review
• Lead and create content for the Control briefing cycle that provides comprehensive and relevant safety documentation and embed an effective briefing process for the Control team- such as sharing best practise, incident learning reviews, cross functional workshops and tabletop exercises
• Review outcomes and recommendations from incident investigations and incident learning reviews to identify and address emerging trends.
• Create and update Training materials for Controller grades, including supporting gap analysis and Training Plans for new staff or internal progression in new roles for Controllers
• Support the delivery of Training for new staff, in line with RBTNA and CMS framework
• Develop and lead Control mentors to ensure each desk or role has a dedicated associated trainer

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

• Must Hold Competency in Controller desks (e.g. Duty Control, Fleet Manager, Train Service Manager), and be willing to maintain competence through actively working on desk on a periodic basis
• Thorough Control Operational Knowledge, such as (but not limited to) routes, depots, infrastructure, Traincrew Terms and Conditions, exam mileage, fleet requirements, safety of the line incidents
• Thorough knowledge of WMT Operational Standards, rules & regulations relating to WMT operations
• Must hold or be working towards a qualification in assessing (A1 or equivalent)
• Must hold or be working towards or willing to obtain a qualification in verification (V1 or equivalent)
• Knowledge of software including Word, Excel, Genius, Integrale, Tyrell, Trust, CFF and P2 CCIL
• Able to deliver presentations and group learning activities to both new and existing Controllers of coaching or training Controllers to required WMT Competency levels
• Hold or be willing to work towards Learning and Development qualifications, such as City & Guilds 001 and 008 modules

What are the salary and benefits?

• Competitive dependant on experience
• 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.