Team Leader

Plymouth, GB

MW SM(OT), Exeter, Direct G1

At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain and operate our network. Now is a fantastic time and join our team in Wales and Western region as we finalised the reforms to our maintenance organisation which will deliver:

• A safer and more reliable and punctual service for passengers and employees – quicker fault fixes by more agile multi-disciplined response teams.

• Individual rostering – enabling us to send the right number or people to fix a fault.

• Multi-skilling – investing in the knowledge and skills of our people so they are better equipped to fix the most common faults themselves.

• Accelerated and improved technology deployment – we have a raft of labour and life-saving technology ready to be rolled out. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter.When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions. Watch our video to find out more

You'll help keep our nation moving every single day. This is a critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network.

From establishing safety arrangements to checking the quality of work, you'll direct and inspire the success of a team involved in everything from inspection and faulting, through to maintenance and renewal.

From inspection and faulting through to maintenance and renewal, you'll play a hands-on role. You'll make sure everything is done efficiently and to the highest standards. Safety will be a priority. You'll establish appropriate safety arrangements and make sure Network Rail staff and contractors alike follow safe systems of work. Proactively controlling and checking the quality of work and the competence of your people, you'll see to it that assets are fully compliant and all vehicles, plant, tools, equipment and materials are fit for purpose. Along the way, you'll compile a range of vital reports.

Off track: You'll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting and repairing the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This includes vegetation management, drainage and ancillary structures.

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. We'll look to you to direct, organise and motivate a high performing team.

Your skills matter

Essential Criteria

• Experience of organising and controlling the safe and efficient delivery of work

• Excellent communication skills, both in person and in writing

• Knowledge of discipline-specific maintenance, inspection, faulting and renewal techniques

• Knowledge of relevant standards, procedures and instructions

• A clear and inspirational leader with a strong sense of direction

Desirable Criteria

• Hold or be working towards an NVQ level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or have attained the appropriate level of knowledge gained through equivalent relevant experience

• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need

It matters that this is the right role for you

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 work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different 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 - As a team leader you'll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.

• Commute times – You'll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you're applying for.

This role involves days, nights and weekend working, and is a safety critical role so subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment.

You matter to us

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we'll provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical leadership skills. If you're joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and team leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.

As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits

• Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.

• A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.

• Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.

• Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, with hybrid working, flexible working, and family friendly support.

• 5 days paid volunteering leave.

• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.

• In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.

Salary:

£43,997 per annum

Some on call may be required at times.

Closing date: 10th November 2025

Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.

The assessment process will consist of a competency and technical interview.

Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard has changed. 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.

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We're constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we're working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.