GWSR job opportunity

The GWSR have advertised for a new full time Operations Manager having covered this role with a contractor for a few months. For some reason the advert seems to be slow to appear on the public GWR website and the closing date is not that far off so posted here.

Text as sent to volunteers:

After several years of difficulty due to well publicised embankment collapses which have curtailed services, the GWR is planning its 2013 season on the basis of a complete operational line and a more complex mix of services and activities to maximise visitor attraction.

As part of preparation and following a year long trial involving a contractor in this role together with a consultation of volunteers (137 responses, 124 in favour), the Plc Board has concluded that the best way forward to ensure operational efficiency, reliability and co-ordination is to employ an Operations Manager.

Applications are therefore invited for the post which is based on a 38 hour working week and will involve weekend working. The role is seen as critically important to the ongoing success and development of the Railway and a degree of commitment and enthusiasm above and beyond that of a normal employee is expected.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate experience and thorough understanding of the key elements of the job as set out in the jd: Defining Operational Standards, Leading /Directing Operations and Planning and Control. The ability to work with volunteers on a partnership basis and to understand their perspective and motivation is essential.
Salary and conditions are negotiable.

Written applications including a CV should be submitted to the Company Secretary (Robert Goundry) in hard copy (Post Box in Admin at Toddington) or e mail cosec.gwsr@btinternet.com by Friday 17th August 2012.

If you would like to discuss the post please contact the Chairman on chairman@gwsr.com with specific questions or leave your telephone number and he will call you.

The job description is:

GWSR Plc
Job Description: Operations Manager (post GWR 02)
Purpose of Job: To lead, manage and control the operation of the GWR railway (i.e. ensuring
that the Railway operates to its published timetables and other commercial
hirings in an efficient, timely and safe manner) and to advise the Board on
the formulation of strategy to ensure renewal, improving standards and
appropriate development
Reports to: The Plc Board (attends all Board meetings) with day to liaison via the
Chairman of the Board
Co-operation: Works closely with all Directors and HoDs to ensure safe and businesslike
operation. To ensure continuing operational viability and safety it may be
necessary to give immediate guidance in connection with PW, S&T, Estates
and Traction with consequent liaison with the relevant HoD or Director
Supervises: Staff (presently all volunteers) of Stations, OTC, Guards and TTIs, Signalling,
Central Health & Safety, Fire Department and Station “Friends” Groups
Status: To be determined but to include authority to incur expenditure within
approved budgetary limits
Special Nature: By its nature the role requires flexibility in working arrangements, hours and
locations
Main Responsibilities: This listing is on the basis that proper and best heritage railway
management arrangements and practices are in hand and maintained
throughout including appropriate delegation:
Defining Operational Standards
Rule Book management
Liaison with HMRI, RAIB and HRA
Central Health & Safety
SMS and Risk Assessments
Operational Notes and Memos
Leading & Directing Operations
External first contact for all operational enquiries and issues
Health & Safety in relation to Operational matters
Staff competence, appraisal, discipline and training
Arranging rostering to ensure operational capacity and safety
Stations and Staff (via HoD)Guards & TTIs (via HoD)
OTC (via HoD)
Signalmen (via HoD)
Fire Department (via Leader)
Duty Officers and acting as such when necessary
Liaison with Station “Friends” Groups (via their Chairmen)
Liaison with Elegant Excursions franchisee
Liaison etc with special hirers etc including Classic Hospitality
Planning and Control
Controller of track including Issue of track possession orders
Shunting for operational and repair capability
Day to day movement of “railway” vehicles etc on and off site
Timetabling (in conjunction with Commercial and Financial Directors)
Preparation of Budgets and budgetary control (in conjunction with Finance
Director)
Other Responsibilities
Security of all sites including security systems
Waste management co-ordination
Efficient energy usage including water
IT policy and infra structure including telephones
Support and advice on development projects
Qualification
Any other duties and activities that arise consistent with the concept of the
Post
In the event of emergency to take any action necessary to safeguard life and
property
August 2012

 

In a 38 hour working week & the list is only the main responsibilities !
The guy you're looking for wears his underpants outside his trousers.

Bob.

 

Necessarily!

 

What's happened with the previous encumbent in the role? Although I note that was a Contract position not directly employed by GWSR.

 

Sounds like most heritage railway Ops Managers; the only thing missing from that list is the ability to perform miracles!

 

The thing to remember not all days are operating days and most job description have pages of typing or any other duties on them.
I do notice that another volunteer only railway has introduced paid staff with i imagine more to follow there get to be a point where there is to much to be done in memebers free time.