Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.
Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Location: Wimbledon Maintenance
Salary: Starting from IMC20 £38714 or Standard Maintenance Contract £45669
Hours: Full-Time
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role)
We're looking for proactive, safety-focused leaders to join our Welding & Grinding team. In this role, you'll lead and inspire a skilled crew responsible for precision welding and grinding activities-critical for maintaining track integrity and ensuring a safe, reliable railway network.
If you're passionate about leading from the front , delivering quality craftsmanship , and driving safety and performance , this is your chance to make a real impact.
As a Team Leader , you'll be the driving force behind a high-performing team responsible for rail welding, grinding, fault correction, and preventative maintenance . Your role will be hands-on and dynamic, ensuring every task meets the highest standards and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and motivate your team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality work.
Establish and maintain robust safety arrangements for staff and contractors.
Ensure compliance with safe systems of work, standards, and procedures.
Monitor and check the quality of welding and grinding activities.
Verify that vehicles, tools, and equipment are fit for purpose and properly managed.
Compile accurate reports and maintain essential records.
Support the development and competence of your team.
Proven experience in planning, implementing, and managing safe systems of work.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and embed a culture of safety.
Excellent communication skills-verbal and written.
Technical expertise in conductor rail inspection, faulting, maintenance, and renewal techniques.
Knowledge of relevant standards and procedures.
NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Willingness to drive vehicles.
¿ Important Information
This is a safety-critical role, which means you'll need to pass a medical assessment and be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Your role will involve working days, nights and weekends, so flexibility is necessary.
Perks That Pack a Punch
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Bonus scheme to reward your impact
- Pension options to suit your future
- 75% rail season ticket subsidy (including the Tube)
- 75% off leisure rail travel
- Access to 'my benefits' - discounted online shopping
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee assistance programme
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave (armed forces community)
- 5 days paid volunteering leave
We're All About Inclusion
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from - if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
About Your Application
As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. .
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
