Training & Competency Lead

Training & Competency Lead Location: Midlands (with travel to depots/sites as required) Reporting to: Managing Director Working with: Senior Leadership Team Sector: Rail Maintenance and Overhaul Role Purpose As the training and competency lead you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and governing a robust training and competency management system across the organisation’s rail vehicle overhaul and maintenance operations. Working closely with the senior leadership team, this role will shape company-wide standards for competence, assurance, and capability, ensuring that all staff are trained, assessed, and authorised in line with regulatory, safety, and business requirements. Take lead on developing and implementing an apprenticeship scheme to support future talent development for the business. This is a key strategic role, critical to safety, quality, and operational performance. Key Responsibilities Training & Competency Framework * Design, implement, and maintain a company-wide competency management system aligned to rail industry standards. * Define competency standards, role profiles, skills matrices, and assessment requirements for all safety-critical and non-safety-critical roles. * Establish processes for initial competence, revalidation, upskilling, and continual professional development. Training Strategy & Delivery * Develop and deliver a structured training strategy supporting overhaul, maintenance, modification, and commissioning activities. * Identify training needs through gap analysis, audits, and operational feedback. * Manage internal and external training provision, including suppliers, OEMs, and accredited providers. Competence Assurance & Compliance * Ensure compliance with relevant rail standards, legislation, and client requirements (e.g. RISQS, Sentinel, Network Rail, TOCs). * Implement robust assessment, verification, and authorisation processes. * Support internal and external audits relating to training and competence. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement * Work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Safety, and Quality teams to embed competence standards into day-to-day delivery. * Provide expert advice to senior leadership on competence risks, capability planning, and workforce development. * Support mobilisation of new contracts, depots, and fleet introductions from a training and competence perspective. Systems & Reporting * Establish and manage digital systems for training records, competency tracking, and authorisations. * Maintain accurate, auditable records of competence and training. * Produce reports and dashboards for leadership, highlighting compliance, risks, and improvement actions. Continuous Improvement * Drive continuous improvement initiatives across training and competence management. * Capture lessons learned and best practice to enhance standards and delivery. * Support succession planning and future skills development aligned to business growth. Skills & Experience Essential: * Proven experience in a training, competency, or assurance role within rail vehicle maintenance, overhaul, or a similar regulated engineering environment. * Strong understanding of competency management systems and assurance processes. * Experience working within safety-critical operations. * Ability to influence and work effectively with senior leadership and operational teams. * Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills. Desirable: * Experience within rolling stock overhaul, heavy maintenance, or depot operations. * Knowledge of RISQS, Sentinel, and rail competence standards. * Experience implementing or improving digital training / competence systems. Qualifications * Relevant engineering, training, or management qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent). * Assessor / Verifier qualifications (desirable). * Teaching or training qualifications (desirable)