Reports To: Head of Operations Manager
Working Hours: Nights (typically between 21:00–06:00)
Location: Multiple rail depots within assigned area
Role Purpose
To lead and manage night-time cleaning operations across multiple rail depots, ensuring trains are cleaned safely, efficiently, and to contractually required standards. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality service, maintaining compliance, managing staffing levels, and supporting operational improvements across all depots within the area.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee the delivery of all night cleaning activities across assigned depots, ensuring performance meets service level agreements (SLAs) and industry standards.
- Coordinate cleaning schedules to support train service plans, depot movements, and operational constraints.
- Ensure correct allocation of staff and resources each night to meet operational demand.
- Monitor real-time performance and resolve issues such as late train arrivals, resource shortages, or equipment failures.
People Management
- Lead, motivate, and support Team Leaders, Supervisors, and Cleaning Operatives across all night shifts.
- Manage staff rotas, sickness, absences, and holiday planning to ensure adequate coverage.
- Conduct briefings, toolbox talks, and regular performance reviews.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff training.
Quality & Safety Compliance
- Ensure all work is carried out safely and in line with health & safety legislation, depot rules, and rail industry standards.
- Conduct regular safety checks, audits, and inspections of cleaning quality.
- Investigate incidents, near misses, and service failures, implementing corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate records for audits and reporting requirements.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to processes, equipment usage, and workflow.
- Support the introduction of new cleaning technologies, chemicals, and methods.
- Work closely with depot management, fleet teams, and the client to resolve operational challenges.
Reporting & Administration
- Produce nightly and weekly performance reports covering attendance, SLA compliance, quality scores, and incidents.
- Manage stock levels of cleaning materials, equipment, and consumables across depots.
- Ensure accurate completion of timesheets, payroll information, and HR documentation.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience managing teams in cleaning, facilities management, transport, or similar operational environments.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage several depots simultaneously.
- Good understanding of health & safety, RAMS, COSHH, and risk management.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
Desirable
- Experience working in a rail depot or transport environment.
- Knowledge of rail industry cleaning standards (e.g., interior, CET, turnaround cleans).
- IOSH or similar health & safety qualification.
- Full driving licence and ability to travel between depots.
Key Competencies
- Leadership & Team Development
- Customer & Stakeholder Focus
- Operational Delivery
- Safety Focus
- Adaptability & Decision Making