Operations Co-Ordinator
Salary scale: £26,515 - £27,950 per annum
What is the purpose of this job?
The Operations Team at RDG (within the Industry Operations directorate) work collaboratively with our network members and stakeholders to help enable delivery of an efficient, safe, high performing system, with a dependable service and high levels of customer and staff satisfaction.
The role is part of a small team; providing a unique opportunity to learn about, and be involved in, multiple different and diverse facets of the operational railway. This can range from operational and driving standards, to operational control and service recovery, to national guidance on customer and industry safety.Our Team seeks to develop, support and drive strategic, whole-industry, operational improvements. For example: supporting Rule Book enhancements, developing more effectual Control process, leading industry strategies for Stock and Crew Management Systems and reviewing national Guidance Notes over multiple subject matters.
The position aims to provide a structured pathway into rail operations by facilitating placements in train operators and Network Rail. This may be combined with an Institution of Railway Operators apprenticeship, depending on the candidate’s experience / knowledge and providing a broad understanding of rail operations through several coordination responsibilities, with a rare opportunity to work with industry leaders through organised national forums.
The role supports the activity undertaken by the Operations Team including management of key external communications (including newsletters, Guidance Notes and our Member SharePoint site) as well as undertaking project and administration activity to deliver benefits to RDG members.
The role will be accountable for supporting operations team colleagues across a range of disciplines outlined elsewhere in the job description. The role will support the Operations Team in delivering industry groups and forums. This includes delivery of tactical activities under the supervision of the line manager / forum partner(s).
The role requires a significant amount of information to be processed, understood and, in most cases, succinctly summarised. Most project timescales are set externally, so short-term time management and planning competence are essential.
The Line Manager will offer guidance on the activities to be undertaken, and mentoring, where required, until competence is demonstrated. There is opportunity to provide solutions, influence decisions, ask pertinent questions and resolve issues within the responsibility of the role.However, when issues arise, guidance should be sought from senior members of the team.
The role has an impact on external stakeholders. Below par performance could reduce members’ support of the directorate and would become apparent within a period of a few weeks. No budgets are held by the role, but there is a requirement to ensure good value for money is achieved with attendance at meetings and travel.There is no direct supervision or management of other staff.
What can I expect to do in this job?- Undertake project, problem solving or analysis work for the Operations Team supporting, for example, operational standards, Control, traincrew, emergency planning and safety activity.
- Assimilate and understand large amounts of information in a short time period, utilising communication skills to write clear, succinct summaries - translating complex subjects into easy-to-understand narratives.
- Brief (and consult where appropriate) RDG governance bodies / senior industry stakeholders on the content of relevant documents and processes encompassed by the activities (in terms of technical content and the implications of such).
- Undertake placements within train operators and Network Rail to develop rail operations knowledge and competencies.
- Provide support to RDG Members, when directed by the Head of Operations, on the production of industry guidance and/or generic procedures.
- Work alongside other RDG departments and industry stakeholders responding as appropriate to industry consultations.
- Assist RDG Partners, as required, in the preparation and organisation of member groups and forums following established practices and procedures.
- Plan activities in the short-term timeframe over periods of several weeks up to two months.
- Own, manage and develop administrative tasks and external communications for the Operations team including the production of industry newsletters and upkeep of the Member SharePoint site.
- Design and develop, in partnership with other RDG colleagues, more effective ways of communicating with RDG Members to maintain their engagement with current RDG activities and other industry programmes.
- Support Managers across the Operations department with the delivery of operations related RDG seminars / webinars.
This role is responsible for administration and project activity for the RDG Operations Team while learning about railway operations through placements within train operators and Network Rail.
Who will you be working with?- Passenger and Freight Operators
- Network Rail
- Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB)
- Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB)
- Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
- Department for Transport (DfT)
- Rail Partners
- Other key industry groups within the Operations department such as the Emergency Planning Group, Incident Care Team Management Group and Control Forum
This is a cross industry role that should be able to work with industry practitioners to front line staff.
Requirements
What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?
Qualifications equivalent to degree level or have equivalent experience- Affiliate membership of the Institution of Railway Operators
- Proficient in use of Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, working knowledge of Excel.
- An engaging verbal and written communicator.
- Able to assimilate and summarise large amounts of information in a short time period.
- Able to write clearly and translate complex issues into easy-to-understand narrative
- Able to effectively manage changing priorities and concurrent projects / tasks
- A good relationship builder with an ability to engage with stakeholders in a way that builds trust and respect at all levels of an organisation (including internal and external senior managers, and in-person and remotely)
- Able to analyse problems and develop pragmatic proposals to implement solutions, using a consensus-based approach where required.
- Able to think both tactically and strategically with good analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills.
- Understanding of how to develop and manage efficient and effective processes and procedures
- Understanding of project management processes and arrangements
- Understanding and working knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint.
- Willing to travel
- Some knowledge and understanding of rail operations and the industry structure
- A genuine interest in the rail industry, how it operates and how it can improve
- 30 days annual leave
- 75% reduction on UK rail travel (for work and leisure) - more below
- Reduced international rail travel
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Contributory defined benefit pension scheme
- Give As You Earn scheme
- Subsidised private medical care
- Healthcare cash plan scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme scheme
- Flexible working
- 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (subject to eligibility)
- Personal Development Days
- Employees may sell up to a maximum of five days’ leave. Employees can buy up to a maximum of five days’ leave. These figures will be pro rata for part-time employees