Operative - Signalling Maintenance - Croydon

We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, even if you've never considered a rail career before. Your role will be critical for ensuring railway safety and efficiency through adherence to safety procedures, alignment with Network Rail's safety vision, and engaging in practical problem-solving with your team.

We prioritise transferrable skills and behaviours, and we are committed to providing the training required for you to work safely and competently on the network. Our workplace is diverse, and we strive to make it as welcoming as possible to everyone. You'll be a member of a small team responsible for daily rail network maintenance, contributing to the safe and smooth operation for passengers and freight users.
Joining us means an exciting career with a company recognized in Glassdoor's top 50 Best Places to Work in 2021. You will play a meaningful role in keeping our nation in motion every day

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment centre where you will be briefed on the Operative role. If successful at the assessment centre your application will be considered for our vacant posts or added to our talent pool where we will stay in touch and let you know of future Operative vacancies as they become available.

About the role (External)

If working outdoors in any weather, day & night, and engaging in fulfilling manual tasks sounds exciting to you, the role of Railway Operative might be for you. Your focus on safety, respect for rules, and teamwork are essential whilst working in a safety-critical environment.

Operatives specialise in a range of fields but for this role, you'll become a specialist in

Signalling & Telecoms: You will be working with equipment including signals and communication systems that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. Whilst working with us, you will have the opportunity to develop a huge range of technical skills across manual, electrical and digital equipment.

You're important to us!

Your dedication to self-development is highly valued. We provide comprehensive training for both technical and non-technical skills. Whether you're new to the industry or transitioning from another field, our structured training prepares you for a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's Technicians and Team Leaders, and we offer a clear career path for your advancement. Your dedication matters to both your team and us and we pride ourselves on tailoring our support to our specific employee's needs. For example, we actively encourage members of our team to seek accommodations that will make their lives at work easier.

Our Operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don't necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following Essential Criteria required for this role:

· Team working - our maintenance teams depend on each other, and you will be required to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.

· Good Communication Skills - So you can work safely and effectively within a team.

· Proactive planning - being punctual, having equipment ready in preparation for the needs of the team.

· Thriving in high-pressure situations - working outdoors in all conditions, and with situations where trains will be passing close by, so you'll need to remain competent in a fast-paced environment.

· Following rules and instructions - it is important that you understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.

· Willingness to learn - Consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your team, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.

Here's some additional information which might help you.

· Shifts - Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.

· Outdoor working - Our operatives operate outdoors in all kinds of weather, and you'll be equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment to handle various weather conditions.

· Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.

· Driving - A driving license (category B) will be required so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.

· Commute times – You will need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location., All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced