Competency Assessor

Competency Assessor – Rail Overhaul and Maintenance

Location: Midlands, covering Loughborough and Leicester with national travel
Salary: £45,000–£50,000
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Monday to Thursday 07:00–16:00 and Friday 07:00–13:00

We are recruiting for a Competency Assessor to join a growing Training and Competence team within a rolling-stock maintenance and overhaul environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced railway engineer looking to move away from a fully hands-on position and use their technical knowledge to assess, coach and develop engineering staff.

The role is fully site-based and will involve practical workplace assessments, technical training and regular engagement with operational engineering teams.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out workplace competency assessments in line with company and rail industry standards.
• Assess engineering staff across rolling-stock maintenance, servicing and overhaul activities.
• Coach, mentor and support fitters, technicians and maintenance employees.
• Deliver technical training and support competency development.
• Maintain accurate and auditable assessment, training and competency records.
• Make impartial competency decisions and challenge unsafe or non-compliant practices.
• Support internal audits, competency assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Work with operational managers and engineering leaders to ensure workforce capability meets business and regulatory requirements.

Candidate requirements

• Rail engineering experience within rolling-stock maintenance, servicing or overhaul.
• Strong practical experience across both mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.
• Experience assessing, supervising, coaching or developing engineering employees.
• A recognised Level 3 Assessor qualification such as CAVA, City & Guilds or equivalent.
• Candidates with extensive rolling-stock experience who are willing to work towards the qualification may also be considered.
• Strong knowledge of engineering standards, safe systems of work and evidence-based assessment.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.

Desirable experience

• Safe shunting experience within a depot or rolling-stock environment.
• Personal Track Safety certification.
• Experience delivering technical training within the rail industry.
• Experience across locomotive and passenger rolling stock.
• Experience using a Competency Management System or Learning Management System.

Travel and working arrangements

The role will mainly cover Loughborough and Leicester, with travel operating on an approximate five-week rotation. One week in each cycle will involve visits to southern sites, with up to three or four overnight stays. Accommodation and approved travel expenses will be covered by the business.

What is offered

Full training will be provided on the company’s fleets, procedures and assessment methodology. The role offers a stable route into training and competence, ongoing mentoring and potential progression as the function grows.