Why LNER? We go beyond. For everyone. Our vision is to be the most loved, progressive and responsible way to travel for generations to come. Now we're looking for the people who can deliver this, every day. Since we took over on the East Coast mainline, we've been changing the face of rail travel. Our new Azuma train has brought faster journey times, more space and greater reliability. Our exciting plans to embrace new ideas, experiences, backgrounds and ambitions make this the ideal time to join. Bringing passion. Being bold. Always caring. Owning it. They're the values that make us LNER. Are you on board? Ready to make a real impact and shape the future of rail safety? As an Operations Standards Manager (Newcastle Depot Based), you'll collaborate closely with our teams to set new benchmarks in operational safety and introduce innovative ways of working that put safety at the forefront of everything we do. This role is an exciting opportunity to lead initiatives that influence industry standards, establish best practices, and make a tangible difference in our day-to-day operations. You'll be at the heart of LNER's operations, serving as a key interface between driver depots and the wider business, driving continuous improvement and inspiring positive change. Your leadership will play a pivotal role in embedding a culture of excellence, ensuring that operational standards not only meet but exceed industry good practices. If you're passionate about safety, innovation, and fostering a collaborative environment, this is the role for you. Key Responsibilities:
Drive the creation and implementation of depot-specific safety plans, ensuring alignment with LNER's wider safety strategy.
Develop and maintain all operational safety standards and instructions to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and industry best practices and create a positive safety culture.
Act as the local contact for Operational Standards, working closely with depot teams and key stakeholders to enhance safety outcomes and introduce new ways of working.
Attend Network Rail-led Safety Critical Communications Review Groups and provide professional guidance on operational issues for train drivers, on-train working, and dispatch teams.
Conduct competency assessments on Operations Delivery Managers and other Driver Competent Managers, ensuring that all safety management processes are up to the highest standards.
Manage and verify depot safety management system activities to maintain compliance with LNER's requirements.
Lead investigations and manage operational safety incidents, detailing root causes and providing recommendations to prevent reoccurrences.
Undertake RM3 self-assessments and audits, and work with depot-based teams to improve maturity in identified areas.
Act as the local point of contact for signal sighting committees, risk assessments, and safety audits, following up on audit actions to ensure closure.
Act as a lead assessor for new assessors, providing guidance and support.
Deliver local training sessions on safety management system content and updates.
Coach teams through the use of the RM3 framework to drive performance improvements.
What You'll Need
Minimum 3 years of experience as a qualified Train Driver.
Strong technical knowledge of rules, regulations, and traction systems.
Proven experience in managing and developing driver teams, including conducting competency assessments.
Excellent communication and report writing skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear, concise manner.
Certification in A1 & V1 qualifications is desirable.
Knowledge of Railway Group Standards, accident investigation skills, and a solid understanding of safety legislation.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a safer, more efficient railway, ensuring that operational standards are at the forefront of our service. Be part of a supportive, inclusive team dedicated to setting new standards at LNER and making a real difference. Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and help shape the future of rail safety!
What you'll get:
Free travel on LNER + 75% off other companies' tickets (for you & dependents)
Discounted international train tickets (after one year's service)
50% discount on LNER tickets for friends & family
Generous pension scheme
Annual cycle to work schemes/electric vehicle scheme
Discount, savings and cashback scheme from top retailers
Health & wellbeing schemes and discounts
Host of training opportunities to help further your career
Rewards & awards to recognise when you shine
What we believe: To be the most loved, progressive and responsible train operating company, we must make a meaningful difference – always doing what's right for our customers, our people, the communities and destinations we serve, the future of the industry we lead and the environment we cherish. We know that our people are the beating heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaged culture that supports everyone at every stage of their journey – and ensures that when you're at LNER, you can always be you. No wonder most people never want to leave! Diversity and inclusion
We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, representative of the communities we serve, and are creating ways to inspire diverse talent to join LNER.
Developing our people
We are focused on creating a learning culture, to support our people to be the best they can be at work by providing them with the tools and resources to navigate their development and career journey.
Health & wellbeing
To create a culture where our people can perform at their best, the physical health and mental wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us.
What next? As we say, we have fantastic opportunities for ambitious people from all sorts of different backgrounds, so now is the time to join the team at LNER – without delay! Start your journey here