About the job

As the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway’s Locomotive & Rolling Stock Manager, you will lead the maintenance and development of its historic fleet.

Managing a focused engineering team, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable and compliant operation of all locomotives and rolling stock.

This is a hands-on role requiring a practical, self-disciplined individual who is equally comfortable working in the workshop, locomotive shed and office. You will oversee and participate in day-to-day maintenance activities, ensuring high standards are consistently met and that all work complies with the Railway’s Safety Management System and relevant health and safety legislation.

In addition to responsibility for locomotives and rolling stock, you will provide engineering support to other areas of the railway and work collaboratively as part of the wider management team.

Full Time: 40 hours per week, 5 days in 7 (including some weekend working)
Permanent Position
Salary: Dependent on experience.
Uniform & PPE: Provided


Key responsibilities will be, but not limited to:

• Co-ordinate and monitor maintenance work on the locomotives and rolling stock to ensure sufficient availability for the operation of the railway.

• Ensure Fitness to Run exams are undertaken to ensure compliance with RH&DR standards and remedial work is actioned.

• Lead, manage and mentor the engineering staff responsible for the maintenance of the fleet.

• Support the training and development of the paid and voluntary staff.

• Ensure workshop facilities are maintained in a tidy, safe and fully compliant condition.

• Manage stores, spares and components required for upkeep of the fleet.

• Prepare and maintain RAMS, procedures and engineering standards.

• Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection and usage records.

• Ensure good communication with colleagues in other RH&DR departments.

• Liaise with and manage contractors working on or off site.

• Always Work safely, addressing or escalating health and safety concerns appropriately.

• Attend training as required to maintain competence and up-to-date knowledge.

• Develop modern engineering solutions while retaining the historic appearance of rolling stock

Reporting and Relationships:
• You will report directly to the Engineering Manager. Working closely to develop or enhance engineering standards relating to the locomotive and rolling stock fleet.

• You will line-manage engineering staff maintaining locomotives and rolling stock.

• You will liaise with the Operations Manager on rostering and training matters.

• You will work with the Overhaul Manager during the locomotive overhaul programme.

• You will support, train and encourage paid and voluntary staff.

• You will liaise with locomotive drivers on maintenance issues, and you will provide training and mentoring to locomotive drivers on maintenance matters relating to the locomotives.

• You will work closely with locomotive drivers, providing guidance and training on engineering matters relating to their work.

Person Specification

Essential:
• An engineering qualification or equivalent and demonstratable practical experience.

• Strong practical workshop skills, including milling, turning, fitting and fabrication.

• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.

• Proven leadership and management skills.

• Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, LOLER and PUWER.

• Ability to prepare and review risk assessments, standards and procedures.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Strong organisational and planning abilities.

• Willingness to learn and develop personal knowledge and skills.

• Competent IT skills, ideally including Microsoft Office and CAD software.

• Budgeting and procurement knowledge.

• Creative problem solving and troubleshooting ability.

• Full UK driving licnece.

• Physically fit.


Desirable:
• Health and Safety qualification. (eg IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH).

• Knowledge of rolling stock, steam and diesel locomotive maintenance.

• Project Management skills.

Benefits:
• Railstaff Travel Card (after 6 months of employment)

• Company pension scheme.

• Discount prices in cafes and shop

• Complimentary travel on the RH&DR.

• Discount Pass to local attractions.

About the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

The RH&DR is a historic narrow-gauge railway in Kent, England. The railway was the brainchild of Captain J.E.P. Howey, a racing driver and miniature railway enthusiast, and officially opened on July 16, 1927. Initially, the line covered eight miles, but it was soon extended to Dungeness, making it a 13.5-mile track.

Structurally, the RH&DR is a marvel of miniature engineering. The railway operates on a 15-inch gauge track, which is one-third the size of a standard gauge railway. This makes it one of the smallest public railways in the world. The locomotives and rolling stock are meticulously crafted to scale, with the fleet including both steam and diesel engines.

The railway’s infrastructure includes several stations, signal boxes, and maintenance facilities, all designed to accommodate the miniature scale while maintaining full functionality.

The makeup of the RH&DR is a blend of historical and modern elements. The original locomotives, designed by Henry Greenly, are still in operation today. These engines are complemented by a fleet of more recent additions, ensuring the railway can meet the demands of modern visitors while preserving its historical integrity.

The railway features a variety of carriages, including open and closed vehicles. The stations along the route, such as Hythe, Dymchurch, and New Romney, each have their unique character and amenities, enhancing the overall experience. Activities on the RH&DR are diverse and cater to all ages.

The railway offers regular passenger services, allowing visitors to enjoy the journey through the Romney Marsh to the only desert in the British Isles. Special events are a significant part of the railway’s calendar, including children’s character events, Gala Weekends and seasonal celebrations such as Santa Specials.

The railway employs around 35 paid staff supported by almost 200 volunteers.