OTM Operator​/Driver​/Fitter Southern or Wessex region

Position: OTM Operator / Driver / Fitter based in the Southern or Wessex region

OTM Operator / Driver / Fitter based in the Southern or Wessex region

Make your mark with Colas Rail UK
. At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. You’ll be welcomed into an inclusive team where there’s a role for every talent and a close‑knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

Company: COLAS RAIL PLANT

Location:

Basingstoke
Country:
United Kingdom
Type of

Contract:

Permanent
Publication Date: 30 Nov 2025

Purpose of the Role

Join our team as a Driver/Operator or Operator/Fitter on our On Track Machines (OTMs) based within the Wessex region and play a crucial role in maintaining the railway infrastructure in the UK. In this dynamic position you will ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of the rail infrastructure that contributes to seamless passenger train travel while enhancing rail safety and reliability.

Collaborating with a skilled team, you’ll utilize your expertise to perform essential driving/operating or maintenance tasks, making a meaningful impact on the safety and efficiency of rail transport.

Key Responsibilities Training and Development

• Attend comprehensive training programs to become a skilled Driver/Operator or Operator/Fitter.
• Undertake the role as Driver/Operator/Fitter as per Colas Rail’s company procedures to deliver outstanding service to our customers.
• Commit to personal development by participating in all relevant training.
• Maintain and develop driver route and traction knowledge to enhance expertise and performance.

Reporting and Communication

• Professionally report and record real‑time issues, including incidents, accidents, and environmental occurrences, in accordance with company procedures in a timely manner.
• Communicate and scale machine service faults and failures to the maintenance department, ensuring operational performance remains optimal in real time.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with policies, procedures, and safety rules.
• Achieve high standards of work through determination, commitment, and motivation.

Conduct Maintenance and Repairs

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on machinery to ensure optimal performance and safety (Fitter/Operator).

Person Specification

• The successful candidate will be energetic, driven, determined and professional.
• They should be adept at following processes and procedures safely without requiring direct supervision.
• Have a positive attitude and thrive in a busy and pressurised environment.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Can analyse problems thoroughly and make timely decisions.
• Are motivated to learn and develop and maximise personal contribution to the business.

Ideally

• Understand the UK Rail Operation/Standards and have good geographical knowledge of the region.
• Have previous experience within the rail industry as an engineer, driver or operator.
• Have past or present railway route knowledge of the region (Driver/Operator).

Essential

• Must live within:
  Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex or South London.
• Flexible, honest & punctual – Able to work weekends, bank holidays and a mixture of days and nights as part of a 24/7 shift‑based roster.
• Willingness to stay away from home (at company expense) when required.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Windows.
• Have a Full UK Driving Licence.
• Hold a level 3 qualification in a relevant engineering background required for Fitter/Operator.
• Psychometric pass required for Driver/Operator (we may send you for this as part of the recruitment process).
• Be medically fit for the role.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• 26 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan

Our Values

Our values,
Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we…