Operational Technology Systems Manager

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

 The Operational Technology (OT) Manager will act as an internal subject matter expert for modern Internet Protocol-based Train Control Management Systems (TCMS). Working alongside fleet engineers and the specialist engineer to provide expert fault finding and issue resolution on Operational Technology (OT) issues. SWR are in the process of bringing into service its brand new Cl701 fleet which like other modern rollingstock is increasingly reliant on sophisticated OT systems. As new technological challenges emerge, SWR requires an expert to help in troubleshooting, and rectifying complex OT issues. This is where you will come in providing the expertise required for OT troubleshooting and developing maintenance instructions. Leading Root Cause investigations using proven methodologies such as 5 whys, FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis and 8D to ensure SWR can independently maintain and improve the safety, reliability and security of the trains.  

As well as supporting SWR's latest fleet the you will provide expert support in the procurement and maintenance of new IP based systems procured to replace existing ‘analogue' standalone systems on our legacy fleets, helping to assess the cybersecurity and safety implications of the designs and implementation. 

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Serve as the go-to expert for diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues related to the train's OT systems, ensuring minimal downtime and operational disruptions. 
• Design and implement solutions to address recurring OT issues and develop standardized processes and work instructions for depot staff. This will help build internal competence while streamlining maintenance practices across the fleet. 
• Impart specialized OT knowledge to existing depot technicians, helping them develop the skills necessary to manage the Cl701 fleet independently over time. The OT Manager will also review and provide feedback on training materials and documentation. 
• Support the Specialist engineer and fleet engineers in discussions with OEMs to ensure that modifications to SWR's OT systems comply with all applicable standards and ensure the safe operation of SWR's train fleet. 
• Lead technical investigations following incidents or failures and deliver corrective and preventative actions to restore and enhance performance. 
• The OT Manager will be responsible for ensuring Remote condition monitoring systems such as Orbiflo and Zonda work well providing FCMs and operations staff with accurate and reliable information. 
• The OT Manager will be responsible for development of OT best practices and continued development of OT supporting equipment such as depot laptops

What safety related activities does this role undertake? 

• The OT Manager will be responsible for producing safe methods of work for SWR staff and third parties to follow. 

• The OT Manager will be required to work on depots and trains to find fault and trial modification procedures and work instructions. 

• The OT Manager must obtain a SWR Personal Track Safety certificate. 

You'll need to be:

• Experience in services or maintenance support. 
• Proven track record of problem-solving technical challenges. 
• Understanding of train systems 
• Experience in industrial sector (preferably Railways) 
• Comfortable working with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Office) 
• Confident collecting and interpreting technical data to inform decision-making and reporting. 
• Able to work independently while also collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams. 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to different stakeholders.
• Ideally educated to degree level (or HNC/HND) in engineering or computing discipline
• Previous railway experience is highly desirable. 
• Proven experience in leading root cause investigations and/or joint investigations (JI) using recognised engineering problem solving or design methodologies such as Six Sigma, 5 whys, FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis and 8D. 
• Knowledge of electronics, communication protocols, OS, Network architecture, and product-oriented development is highly desirable. 
• Hands on experience with Linux
•  Previous experience with the Aventra platform or within a rail-specific services environment.
• Familiar with interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and maintenance documentation. 
• Understanding of Internet Protocols is highly desirable. 

Working pattern

Office hours

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiv