Job Title
Section Supervisor – Distribution & Plant
Location
Lewisham, GB
Department
DB SM(P&D) Lewisham Direct (831816) G1
About Network Rail
Join the Southern Region – where your work truly matters. Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key—and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast‐paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Brief Description
Section Supervisor – Distribution & Plant: Take the Next Step in Your Rail Career!
Hours & Shift Pattern
Full‐time – 12 month secondment opportunity. Days, nights & weekends (safety‐critical role).
Responsibilities
* Supervise D&P activities including planned works, weekend shifts, isolations, and abnormal operations.
* Run regular briefings to align your team on current projects, training, overtime and operational priorities.
* Work collaboratively across disciplines to plan and deliver resources, materials, tools and plant.
* Ensure safe and efficient delivery of both reactive and planned D&P tasks.
* Manage rosters, monitor fatigue levels, and assess staff competencies.
* Build hands‐on experience in workforce planning, operational management and team development.
* Supervise and verify the quality of Distribution & Plant works to ensure compliance with standards.
* Implement and check safe systems of work, method statements, and instructions.
* Conduct inspections, prioritise resulting tasks, and oversee work documentation.
* Prepare method statements, resource specifications and Safe System of Work plans.
* Assist in developing forward‐looking work plans for safe, efficient delivery.
* Support identification and scoping of asset renewals.
* Allocate resources and deliver work in line with maintenance strategy and business targets.
* Keep systems updated with accurate information, inspections and work records.
* Conduct staff surveillance, quality checks, and compliance reviews.
* Support competence management, performance development and staff welfare.
* Take ownership of your own development and help others progress alongside you.
What You'll Need
* Experience supervising technical work sites and ensuring safe, efficient delivery.
* Knowledge of resource planning, work organisation and delivery processes.
* Understanding of Distribution & Plant inspection, maintenance, renewal and asset condition techniques.
* Familiarity with relevant standards, procedures and instructions.
* Awareness of cost and waste control techniques.
* Ability to promote and embed safe working behaviours at all levels.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to coach, influence and develop others.
* Hold or be working towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
* A full UK driving licence and willingness to drive for business needs.
Important Information
This is a safety‐critical role, requiring you to pass a medical assessment and undergo drug and alcohol testing. Flexibility is essential as the role involves working days, nights, and weekends.
Perks & Benefits
* 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 to make a positive impact.
* Carer's leave to support those who matter.
* Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
* Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Inclusion & Diversity
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from — if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
How to Apply
Closing date: 2nd April 2026. Please complete the application form. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‐employment checks. All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. For more information on our recruitment process and to ensure we accommodate applicants with disabilities, please include a note to your application if you require reasonable adjustments.
Legal Statements
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we welcome applications from everyone. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail.
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