Sentinel Manager; Rail Compliance & RISQS Lead

Sentinel Manager – Rail Compliance & RISQS Lead Overview

Optime Group are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Sentinel Manager / Rail Compliance Lead to take full ownership of the rail compliance function within their Rail Division.

This is a senior, trusted compliance role with genuine autonomy, responsible for maintaining an audit-ready rail operation
, leading the annual RISQS audit
, and ensuring full compliance with Network Rail, Sentinel, and client standards year-round.

The role has become available following a recent resignation and is viewed as a key hire
, with the business keen to appoint someone who can confidently take ownership and “just get on with the job”.

Reporting to the Operations Director and working closely with the Compliance Director, you will act as the subject matter expert across:

• Sentinel & RISQS
• Fatigue management
• Medicals
• Drugs & Alcohol compliance

This is a hands-off, non-micromanaged environment
, designed for an experienced rail compliance professional who values trust, accountability, and balance.

The role is based in Gloucestershire
, from a modern business park location, with flexibility built in
:

• Typically 1–2 days per week office-based
• The remainder flexible depending on workload
• Occasional travel only to rail sites (not routine)

• Lead and successfully deliver the annual RISQS audit
  , maintaining a robust and up-to-date audit evidence library
• Own and maintain the Rail Compliance Matrix and Sentinel dashboards
• Manage all Sentinel sponsorship activities
  , including Primary Sponsorship, Sub-Sponsorship (in/out), and De-Sponsorship
• Ensure all pre-sponsorship checks and competence validations are completed correctly
• Maintain the Rail Training Matrix
  , tracking competence profiles, expiries, and gaps
• Produce clear compliance and audit reporting packs for senior stakeholders
• Manage operative medical and Drugs & Alcohol compliance
  , including random and for-cause testing
• Oversee Fatigue
  360
  , ensuring training, planned hours, actuals, and fatigue controls remain compliant
• Complete fatigue assessments and plans where operational changes occur
• Maintain rail equipment registers and support internal rail audits and NCR close-outs
• Coordinate rail governance and communications, including:
  • Monthly rail review meetings
  • Rail TBT programmes
  • Network Rail safety bulletins and briefings
  • RISQS portal monitoring
  • CIRAS membership and engagement

• Senior,
  trusted role with real ownership
• Flexible working pattern (office / hybrid balance)
• Occasional travel only
  , not constant site hopping
• Modern office environment with allocated parking
• Direct access to decision-makers
• Clear expectations, no bureaucracy, no micromanagement

The client is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of society. Reasonable adjustments or additional arrangements can be discussed at any stage of the recruitment process.

If you’re an experienced rail compliance professional looking for a senior role that offers responsibility without burnout
, please submit your CV to apply.

Alternatively, you may email for a confidential discussion.

• Proven experience in a Sentinel Coordinator / Rail Compliance / Rail Compliance Manager role
• Demonstrable experience leading or heavily supporting successful RISQS audits
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Network Rail standards and requirements
  • RISQS audit protocols
  • Sentinel Scheme Rules
  • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
  • Confident communicator, able to challenge and elevate where compliance is at risk

• Competitive salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum
• Free on-site parking
• Learning & development funding and support
• Mentorship and progression opportunities
• Private healthcare following successful probation
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Work socials and team events
• Corporate lake membership for swimming