Rail Compliance Manager (Sentinel & RISQS)

Sentinel Manager Rail Compliance & RISQS Lead

Overview

Optime Group are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Sentinel Manager / Rail Compliance Lead to take full ownership of the rail compliance function within their Rail Division.

This is a senior trusted compliance role with genuine autonomy responsible for maintaining an audit-ready rail operation leading the annual RISQS audit and ensuring full compliance with Network Rail Sentinel and client standards year-round.

The role has become available following a recent resignation and is viewed as a key hire with the business keen to appoint someone who can confidently take ownership and just get on with the job.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director and working closely with the Compliance Director you will act as the subject matter expert across:

• Sentinel & RISQS
• Fatigue management
• Medicals
• Drugs & Alcohol compliance

This is a hands-off non-micromanaged environment designed for an experienced rail compliance professional who values trust accountability and balance.

The role is based in Gloucestershire from a modern business park location with flexibility built in:

• Typically 12 days per week office-based
• The remainder flexible depending on workload
• Occasional travel only to rail sites (not routine)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and successfully deliver the annual RISQS audit maintaining a robust and up-to-date audit evidence library
• Own and maintain the Rail Compliance Matrix and Sentinel dashboards
• Manage all Sentinel sponsorship activities including Primary Sponsorship Sub-Sponsorship (in/out) and De-Sponsorship
• Ensure all pre-sponsorship checks and competence validations are completed correctly
• Maintain the Rail Training Matrix tracking competence profiles expiries and gaps
• Produce clear compliance and audit reporting packs for senior stakeholders
• Manage operative medical and Drugs & Alcohol compliance including random and for-cause testing
• Oversee Fatigue360 ensuring training planned hours actuals and fatigue controls remain compliant
• Complete fatigue assessments and plans where operational changes occur
• Maintain rail equipment registers and support internal rail audits and NCR close-outs
• Coordinate rail governance and communications including:
• Monthly rail review meetings
• Rail TBT programmes
• Network Rail safety bulletins and briefings
• RISQS portal monitoring
• CIRAS membership and engagement

Why this role appeals to experienced Sentinel professionals

• Senior trusted role with real ownership
• Flexible working pattern (office / hybrid balance)
• Occasional travel only not constant site hopping
• Modern office environment with allocated parking
• Direct access to decision-makers
• Clear expectations no bureaucracy no micromanagement

Equality Diversity & Inclusion

The client is committed to equality diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of society. Reasonable adjustments or additional arrangements can be discussed at any stage of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

If youre an experienced rail compliance professional looking for a senior role that offers responsibility without burnout please submit your CV to apply.

Alternatively you may email for a confidential discussion.

• Proven experience in a Sentinel Coordinator / Rail Compliance / Rail Compliance Manager role

• Demonstrable experience leading or heavily supporting successful RISQS audits
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Network Rail standards and requirements
• RISQS audit protocols
• Sentinel Scheme Rules
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Confident communicator able to challenge and escalate where compliance is at risk

Whats on Offer

• Competitive salary: per annum
• Free on-site parking
• Learning & development funding and support
• Mentorship and progression opportunities
• Private healthcare following successful probation
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Work socials and team events
• Corporate lake membership for swimming

Required Experience:

Manager