Operations Standards Manager

Location: York
Company: Grand Central Railway (Arriva Group)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Join Grand Central as an Operations Standards Manager

At Grand Central, safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for an experienced and driven Operations Standards Manager to join our York-based team and play a key role in managing operational safety standards, compliance, competence assurance and continuous improvement across our rail operations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an operational safety professional to help shape and maintain the standards that underpin the safe and effective delivery of our services, while supporting the development of our people and future projects.

About the Role

Reporting into the Operations leadership team, you will be responsible for ensuring that Grand Central's operational standards, procedures and competency arrangements remain fully compliant with legislative, industry and company requirements.

You will lead the development, review and implementation of Driver Operations standards, manage key safety processes, support investigations, oversee competency management systems and provide expert guidance on operational safety matters across the business.

The role requires close collaboration with operational management teams, drivers, trainers, assessors and industry stakeholders to promote a strong safety culture and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Standards & Compliance

• Manage the development, review and communication of Driver Operations safety standards, policies and procedures.
• Ensure operational and competency procedures comply with all relevant legislation, railway standards and industry requirements.
• Support the review and development of wider company safety policies and standards.
• Manage operational risk assessments and ensure they remain current and effective.
• Support the company's audit programme and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Assurance

• Lead driver-related quality assurance and standardisation processes.
• Ensure robust arrangements are in place for driver training, assessment, monitoring, verification and licensing.
• Maintain oversight of driver licensing, cab passes and cab access arrangements.
• Ensure competence records are verified and compliant before safety-critical duties are undertaken.
• Own and drive the Company's Operational Safety Improvement Plan.
• Review industry reports, recommendations and safety learning opportunities, implementing improvements where appropriate.

Investigations & Incident Management

• Act as Lead Investigator for operational incidents and safety-related events.
• Ensure investigations are carried out thoroughly, with clear learning outcomes and corrective actions identified.
• Participate in Safety Review Panels and external investigation activities when required.
• Support post-incident processes and monitor completion of required actions.

Training & Competence Management

• Act as lead administrator and subject matter expert for the Driver electronic competence management system.
• Support the development and delivery of operational safety training and briefings.
• Assist with competence tracking, assessment and development programmes.
• Support recruitment and selection activities for Drivers and Driver Management roles.
• Develop capability and resilience within the wider team through coaching and knowledge sharing.

Operational Support

• Support emergency preparedness, security, environmental and business continuity planning.
• Produce and issue operational and safety notices.
• Participate in the operational on-call rota as required.
• Support major projects, including new fleet introduction and operational change programmes.
• Represent Grand Central at industry forums, working groups and signal sighting activities.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

Essential

• Strong operational railway experience, preferably within train operations, driver management, safety or standards.
• Detailed knowledge of railway safety legislation, Railway Rule Book requirements and industry standards.
• Experience of competency management, operational assurance and compliance monitoring.
• Experience conducting investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong analytical, organisational and report-writing skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
• Ability to interpret legislation, standards and technical documentation and translate these into practical operational arrangements.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience managing Driver competence and assessment systems.
• Investigation qualifications or experience leading formal investigations.
• Experience supporting audits and safety management systems.
• Assessor, verifier or trainer qualifications.
• Knowledge of railway change management processes, HAZIDs and HAZOPs.
• Experience representing organisations within rail industry forums.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Free and reduced-rate rail travel benefits
• Generous pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Learning and development opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to contribute directly to the safe and successful operation of one of the UK's leading open-access rail operators

Grand Central Benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme: Arriva Workplace Pension Plan (AWPP) provided by Standard Life
• Unlimited Free Travel for you and your immediate family on all Grand Central services. In addition, we currently offer concessionary travel on other Arriva Trains UK franchises.
• Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured: free, confidential 24-hour telephone counselling and information services.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about operational safety, standards and continuous improvement and want to play a key role in shaping the future of Grand Central's operations, we'd love to hear from you.

Grand Central Railway is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.