Competency & Training Manager

Overview The Competency & Training Manager will be the site's subject matter expert for workforce capability development, ensuring the Burton & Birkenhead sites maintain a highly skilled, competent, and future-ready workforce. The role will play a critical part in supporting operational performance, quality excellence, customer satisfaction, and business growth through the establishment of a robust competency framework and the creation of an on-site Training School.   Job Purpose   The Competency & Training Manager is responsible for the strategic development, governance, delivery, and continuous improvement of all competencies, training, and skills development activities across the Burton & Birkenhead sites. The role will ensure that all operational personnel possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and competence to safely and effectively perform their duties while supporting business growth, customer requirements, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. A key responsibility of the position will be transfer of competency and skills from the closure of Doncaster site and ensuring consistency of records and training, and the development of a business case and implementation strategy for an on-site Training School, creating a sustainable capability development model to support current and future workforce requirements.   Principle Responsibilities & Accountabilities   Competency Management • Own and maintain the site's Competency Management Framework. • Develop and implement competency standards for all operational and support functions. • Ensure all employees are assessed, trained, and authorised in accordance with business requirements. • Maintain robust competency matrices and training records. • Monitor competence expiry dates, reassessments, and refresher training requirements. • Lead competency audits and ensure compliance with internal and external standards. • Provide regular reporting on workforce capability, competency risks, and training performance.   Training Strategy & Delivery   • Develop and deliver the site's annual training strategy aligned to business objectives. • Identify skills gaps and workforce development requirements. • Oversee the planning and delivery of technical, operational, safety, quality, and leadership training. • Ensure training programmes are effective, measurable, and aligned to industry best practice. • Establish evaluation methods to assess training effectiveness and return on investment. • Manage training budgets and maximise value from external training providers.   Management of Assessors and Trainers   • Provide leadership and direction to all site trainers and assessors. • Establish clear performance expectations and development plans for the training team. • Standardise assessment methodologies across the site. • Conduct regular audits of assessment quality and consistency. • Support trainers in developing engaging and effective training materials. • Drive continuous improvement within training and assessment activities.   Training School Development   • Lead the development of an on-site Training School and Skills Academy. • Produce a comprehensive business case outlining: • Strategic benefits • Cost-benefit analysis • Infrastructure requirements • Resource requirements • Delivery model • Return on investment • Benchmark training facilities against industry best practice. • Develop implementation plans and governance structures. • Build partnerships with colleges, apprenticeship providers, awarding bodies, and customers. • Create pathways for apprenticeships, upskilling, reskilling, and leadership development.   Compliance & Governance   • Ensure compliance with: • Health & Safety requirements • Railway Industry Standards (where applicable) • Customer requirements • Internal management systems • Regulatory and legislative training obligations • Support internal and external audits. • Ensure training documentation and evidence meet audit requirements. • Manage training-related risks through effective governance   Continuous Improvement   • Analyse performance, quality, safety, and operational data to identify training needs. • Use lessons learned, audit findings, customer feedback, and business performance data to drive improvements. • Introduce innovative learning solutions including: • E-learning • Digital competency management systems • Simulations • Blended learning approaches • Support wider business improvement and culture change initiatives.   Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)   • Training compliance rate. • Competency assessment completion rate. • Expired competency levels. • Training effectiveness measures. • Reduction in skills-related defects and non-conformities. • Apprenticeship and development programme completion rates. • Internal and external audit compliance. • Training School implementation milestones. • Employee competency and training satisfaction scores.   Essential Experience   • Mechanical / Electrical / Quality background • Experience managing competency and training programmes within manufacturing, engineering, rail, construction, heavy industry, or related sectors. • Experience leading trainers, assessors, or learning and development teams. • Proven experience developing competency frameworks and training strategies. • Experience managing training budgets and resources. • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. • Experience producing business cases and leading improvement projects.   Essential Qualifications   • Level 4 IQA Internal Quality • L3 Assessing in the Workplace, • Teaching or Training Qualification (PTLLS, CTLLS, Level 3 Award in Education and Training or equivalent). • Internal Auditor qualification or relevant audit experience. • Strong understanding of competency management principles.   Desirable Qualifications   • Experience within the Rail Industry.   Key Competencies   Leadership • Builds and develops high-performing training teams. • Drives engagement and accountability.   Strategic Thinking   • Creates long-term capability development plans aligned to business objectives.   Communication   • Communicates effectively at all organisational levels.   Analytical Skills   • Uses data and metrics to identify trends and drive decisions.   Planning & Organisation   • Effectively manages multiple projects and priorities.   Continuous Improvement   • Identifies opportunities to improve capability, efficiency, and performance.   What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First? At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other. If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.   Who are we? Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com. Culture powers us and the possibilities. We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more. Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.