Team Leader; Welding

About Network Rail

Our Southern Region covers Wessex, Sussex and Kent, delivering vital passenger and freight services across the busiest and most dynamic part of the rail network. The region supports major modernisation programmes, improves local community performance, and enhances safety across complex operational environments. A fast‑paced, rewarding environment where collaboration, innovation and resilience are key, and your contribution directly impacts millions of journeys.

Position: Team Leader Welding & Grinding – Forge the Future of Rail!
Location: Wimbledon
Salary: Starting from IMC
20 – 38,714 or Standard Maintenance Contract – 45,669
Hours: Full‑time
Shift Pattern: Days, nights & weekends (Safety‑Critical Role)

As a Team Leader you will drive a high‑performing crew responsible for rail welding, grinding, fault correction and preventative maintenance. Your role is hands‑on and dynamic, ensuring every task meets the highest quality and safety standards.

• Lead and motivate the team to deliver safe, efficient, high‑quality work.
• Establish and maintain robust safety arrangements for staff and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with safe systems of work, standards and procedures.
• Monitor and check the quality of welding and grinding activities.
• Verify that vehicles, tools and equipment are fit for purpose and properly managed.
• Compile accurate reports and maintain essential records.
• Support the development and competence of your team.

• Proven experience in planning, implementing and managing safe systems of work.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and embed a culture of safety.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Technical expertise in conductor rail inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant standards and procedures.

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• Willingness to drive vehicles.

This safety‑critical role requires passing a medical assessment and being subject to drug and alcohol testing. Working days, nights and weekends is essential, so flexibility is necessary.

• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days) with the option to buy/sell days.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
• Up to 75% off leisure travel.
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
• Volunteer leave.
• Carer’s leave.
• Health scheme, Gym Pass discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme and more.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and identities. If you’re passionate about safety, leadership and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Wimbledon
Salary: Standard Maintenance Contract – 45,669
Hours: Full‑time
Shift Pattern: Days, nights & weekends (Safety‑Critical Role)
Closing date: 2nd March 2026 – late applications will not be accepted
Overtime: May be required

We are a Disability Confident Leader and will adapt the process to provide reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities. Please add a note to your application if you need support. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.

All prospective candidates must undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. A positive result will lead to removal of the application. Positive results are securely held on the Sentinel database and result in a five‑year suspension from applying for a safety‑critical role or a PTS‑certified/key‑safety role.