The Role
Operate and control depot train movements and formations, develop stabling plans, perform shunting, CET servicing, tanking, cleaning and replenishing consumables. Comply with Industry Group Standards, Depot Operating Instructions and safety procedures. Act as Person in Charge of Sidings/Designated Person when required, communicate with leadership, report safety incidents, and commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence.
Summary Generated by Built In
West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - London Northwestern Railways & West Midlands Railways.
We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are looking to recruit Shunters on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Shrewsbury. Please note, it will be working permanent night shifts.
You will develop and implement a stabling plan to ensure all arriving units receive the required maintenance. Safely and efficiently control train movements to ensure correct formations for timely departures, in full compliance with Industry Group Standards, Depot Operating Instructions, and Depot Protection Procedures.
Ensure timely and planned arrival and departure of traction from the depot.
You will carry out key operational tasks, including shunting, CET servicing, tanking, radiator cleaning and replenishing fluids /consumables where suitably trained (e.g. Screen wash and sand). Strictly comply with all applicable instructions, rules, and regulations to ensure safety and operational integrity.
We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are looking to recruit Shunters on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Shrewsbury. Please note, it will be working permanent night shifts.
You will develop and implement a stabling plan to ensure all arriving units receive the required maintenance. Safely and efficiently control train movements to ensure correct formations for timely departures, in full compliance with Industry Group Standards, Depot Operating Instructions, and Depot Protection Procedures.
Ensure timely and planned arrival and departure of traction from the depot.
You will carry out key operational tasks, including shunting, CET servicing, tanking, radiator cleaning and replenishing fluids /consumables where suitably trained (e.g. Screen wash and sand). Strictly comply with all applicable instructions, rules, and regulations to ensure safety and operational integrity.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform duties as Person in Charge of Sidings (PICOS), Designated Person and PIC when required.
- Follow instructions from the Leadership Team within your competence.
- Prioritise personal and team safety, report near misses, safety concerns, and incidents through the correct process.
- Ensure all traction movements are conducted safely and in compliance with local rules, regulations, and depot procedures.
- Control the arrival and departure of vehicles, including coupling, uncoupling and reformation in line with Industry Group Standards and Depot Operating Instructions.
- Assist with operational tasks such as CET servicing, tanking, radiator cleaning and replenishing consumables (e.g. Screen wash and sand).
- Develop and execute a stabling plan to ensure all units receive the required maintenance.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Successful completion of required competencies for shunting and related operational tasks.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently at all levels.
- Proven ability to work independently and use initiative in a dynamic operational environment.
To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.
Benefits
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
About
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway operate rail services across the Midlands, the Northwest and London, with Birmingham at the heart of our network. West Midlands Railway provides most of the local services across the region, offering direct connections to towns and cities including Redditch, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Telford and Northampton. Our London Northwestern Railway brand serves the route between London and Liverpool via key locations such as Crewe, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Northampton. On 1st February 2026, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway entered public ownership and both services are now part of WM Trains Limited operated by DFTO. Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe, comfortable and reliable service for passengers across 235 miles of track and 150 stations, from London to Liverpool and Hereford to Lichfield. We expect over 80 million journeys to be made this year, that’s more than 1,252 services every day, and we remain committed to delivering the rail experience our passengers expect.
Skills Required
- Permanent night shift availability
- Based in Shrewsbury (on-site)
- Successful completion of required shunting and operational competencies
- Ability to act as Person in Charge of Sidings (PICOS), Designated Person and PIC when required
- Competence in safe control of traction movements, coupling/uncoupling and reformation
- Ability to perform CET servicing, tanking, radiator cleaning and replenish consumables when trained
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to work independently and use initiative in a dynamic operational environment
- Commitment to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence
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The Company
What We Do
WM Trains Limited, operating as West Midlands Trains, is a British state-owned train operating company. It runs commuter and local services across the West Midlands and on the West Coast Main Line, connecting London, the Midlands, and the North West.
