Rail Operative

Job Title: Rail Operative

Location: Charnwood / Loughborough Area

Salary: £23.94 PAYE per hour / £31.17 Umbrella (Nights)

48 hour working week on average.

Role Type: 3-Month Contract with opportunity to go permanent; Sunday – Thursday (Nights)

Are you a hard-working, hands-on individual looking for a physically active role in a fast-paced industrial environment? This is a great opportunity to join a large-scale operation within the Rail sector, supporting yard logistics and site movements.

We’re looking for  Rail Operatives / General Labourers to join a busy site in the East Midlands. The ideal candidate will have some rail experience or familiarity working in a similar safety critical environment. It’s an excellent opportunity for individuals from track side labouring, yard operative, depot shunting or similar backgrounds. We would also welcome applicants transitioning from other highly regulated industries with controlled movements experience who would like to learn new skills and transition into an operational rail environment.

This role offers consistent hours, strong pay rates, and excellent earning potential for hard-working individuals with an average take home circa £50-55k.

The Role and About You: You’ll be working as part of a team responsible for the safe and efficient movement of Railway Wagons and Engines across a large industrial site. Most shunting movements are controlled remotely from the control room, with your role focused on supporting and co-ordinating these operations on the ground as well as general housekeeping duties.

This is a physically demanding role where you’ll be on your feet for most of the shift, carrying out a variety of operational duties. Work ethic is key, this environment suits someone reliable, motivated and ready to get stuck in.

You can expect to walk up to 15,000 steps per day, so a good level of fitness is essential. There will be some manual lifting/bending/crouching etc to carry out wagon and yard inspections and general support duties. You will be given any necessary training and HSE assessment in relation to these tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Carrying out safety and operational checks on wagons

Coupling and uncoupling three different types of wagons

Supporting shunting operations as directed by the control room

Maintaining high standards of housekeeping across the yard

Communicating clearly via radio devices to ensure safe and efficient operations

Always following strict health & safety procedures

About You

Rail experience desirable but full training will be provided

A strong work ethic and positive, can-do attitude are essential

Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions

Excellent communication skills, particularly for radio-based coordination

Reliable, safety-conscious, and able to follow instructions

Backgrounds in labouring, yard work, or similar hands-on roles are highly suitable

Ex-military candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Any volunteering or experience within rail or shunting environments is desirable but not essential

Valid PTS is highly desirable but happy to support with internal training

Important Requirements: Due to the remote location and early start times, candidates must have their own transport to site (car and valid UK driving licence preferred). There is no public transport available at these hours.

The Company: A major operator within the Rail Industry. The site is busy, safety-focused and plays a key role in keeping operations moving efficiently. It’s a hands-on environment where teamwork and reliability are essential.

My client is an equal opportunities employer, that aims to foster a diverse and inclusive working environment. If you have any questions or need any special assistance throughout the application process, please do not hesitate to ask.

Next Steps: If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply with your CV or get in touch directly to  to discuss the role in more detail.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to run through the position and availability.

Successful candidates will be subject to a pre-employment medical and drug & alcohol test.

Ganymede is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation