Drive Excellence, Lead the Way!

As our Driver Standards Manager, you'll lead the charge in setting and maintaining top-notch operational standards for our drivers. You'll work hand-in-hand with the Operations Standards Manager to create forward-thinking initiatives that meet our business's evolving needs. Your role will involve collaborating with the Driver Management Team to build trust and provide proactive support, guidance, and advice to Regional Operational Managers, Driver Managers, and the Driver Training Team, ensuring we meet all compliance standards.

You'll also be responsible for conducting signal sighting exercises and developing a comprehensive driver training strategy for new infrastructure projects. Plus, you'll offer valuable input on signalling and layout design from the initial concept through to implementation.

Key Accountabilities:

• Safety Governance & Risk Management: Oversee driver safety, provide expert advice, highlight risks, and ensure effective decision-making.
• Operational Standards & Compliance: Develop systems for operational standards, review incident reports, and ensure compliance.
• Training & Competence: Certify Driver Competent Managers, support trainers, and develop training strategies for new projects.
• Incident Investigation & Reporting: Lead serious incident investigations, produce operational materials, and support incident reduction initiatives.
• Project Support & Expert Input: Offer expertise for new train projects, risk assessments, and fleet modifications, and support depot audits.

Person Specification:

• Operational Knowledge: Familiarity with Avanti West Coast operational requirements, Railway Byelaws, ROGS, Common Safety Method Requirements, Railway Group Standards, and Avanti West Coast Standards.
• Safety Management: Expertise in managing Safety Management Systems and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Training & Development: Experience in conducting signal sighting exercises and developing driver training strategies.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and ability to provide guidance and support to the Driver Management Team.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills with attention to detail and commitment to compliance and standards.

Please see our role profile attached for more information.

Benefits:

• Railway pension scheme
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us unique! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are welcomed, recognised, accepted and put to good use!