GTR are recruiting a Driver Competency Assurance Manager based out of Go Ahead House, Croydon.

This is a great opportunity for an individual with a proven track record to work for one of the country's busiest and award-winning rail companies.

Job Purpose

We have re-evaluated how we can best support our drivers' competency management here at Southern and Gatwick Express. As part of the changes, we have identified the need for a new position of Driver Competency Assurance Manager, responsible for a range of activities to carry our performance and safety management to new levels. The DCAM will act as an operational expert and a role model for competency within the Southern and Gatwick Express teams. They will be responsible for the overall health, compliance and validity of the Southern electronic competency management system, and act as the independent auditor of the activities on the CMS undertaken by the Competency Development Manager, Driver Instructor Development Manager and Driver Training Manager teams. In turn, reports on key safety activities and operating performance will identify trends and areas for improvement, and plans will be agreed on addressing these areas. The DCAM will additionally undertake significant competency assessments for all driver competent managers within the training and competency teams.

This new role is intended to help all Southern and Gatwick Express managers make the most of the electronic competency management system, innovate with reports and analysis and reduce errors and omissions. In addition, the support through providing expert knowledge and guidance of the application of rules and procedures will shape a more consistent approach to all incident management and investigation, and identify areas for individual and team management performance through an independent assessor. The DCAM will identify improvements and increase effectiveness with GTR systems management, and own the training and competency team's relationship with Southern's safety standards. This will involve proactively initiating changes and consulting with key parties, and communicating amendments to process and procedures. There is a key partnership for this role within the Southern safety and standards team, and as such maintenance of a physical presence at Go-Ahead House will be required. There will also be an expectation to attend all depot areas regularly to provide guidance and support; however, this role is also suited to smart remote working. This role will be rostered to act as second line on call for operational incidents where there is no other resource available within the Operational Response team.

Principle accountabilities

• Own the Southern competency management system in respect of the relationship with train driver competency and safety management.

• Analyse the performance and compliance of all assessors in respect of workload and investigation quality, ensuring all incidents are processed in a way that supplies a defensible safety outcome and plan to improve driver performance.

• Ensure operational notices and compliance are being implemented and communicated to drivers at all locations.

• Verify all assessor activities with random sampling and ensure standardisation occurs.

• Chair quarterly development centres for all manager assessors.

• Detail assessor performance and ensure performance records are provided throughout the team.

• Undertake an annual assessment of all managers qualified as assessors to ensure they are performing at the required standard and possess current, accurate knowledge of railway rules and procedures.

• Administer all safety data reporting on general operational performance, high risk drivers and assessment attainment to Head of Training and Competency Development

• Act as independent driver competency expert for driver manager and operational assessor teams.

• Act as an appeals level manager for investigations and disciplinary procedures where required. • Ensure all seasonal preparedness plans and projects are implemented effectively.

• Act as Level 2 on call for the operational response team.

Key Result areas

• Establish and maintain confidence that the Southern ECMS systems are accurately recording and monitoring all aspects of driver competency management, including investigations and amendments to safety critical status.

• Continuously improve the use of the ECMS and develop partnerships across the industry.

• Actively refine and initiate changes to Southern operational standards affecting drivers and competency management.

• Deliver authoritative, timely and accurate reporting to ensure Southern drivers are consistently managed against industry safety standards.

• Maintain a consistent standard of operational competency for all manager assessors within the team. Key relationships

• Peer relationships with Regional Competency Managers and Operational Response Manager within the Head of Training and Competency Development teams.

• Key partnerships with competency assurance teams in Southern customer services teams, GTR safety teams and industry partners and suppliers. Experience and qualifications

• This role is suitable for qualified train drivers with a minimum of four years' driving experience on the mainline railway network. This does not include driving experience on Metro, light rail or preserved railways.

• Competency on Southern and Thameslink traction and valid route knowledge on the GTR network would be highly advantageous.

• Competency as an A1 assessor and V1 verifier is a minimum requirement.

• The postholder will be able to demonstrate an extensive record in management of operational incidents and investigations and be able to authoritatively engage with internal and external stakeholders on driver safety matters.

• The postholder will have an expert understanding of rules and regulations applicable to train driving and railway operations, Southern company standards and driving policies.

• High levels of computer literacy in Microsoft office packages is essential, along with a commitment to lead on introduction of future technologies.

What we can offer you 

• Final salary pension 
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays 
• Health Care 
• Free travel on GTR and sister groups for you and your family 
• 75% off travel on other train operating companies for you, and leisure for your family 
• Discounted Oyster Card 
• GTR offers maternity, paternity and adoption leave and time off for prenatal care, as well as shared parental leave - all part of our commitment to family friendly policies 
• StarHub – our great benefits package which, for example, includes discounts with many retailers.