Railway Manager – Heritage Railway

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Railway Manager to lead the infrastructure and engineering activities of the Watercress Line, a heritage railway operating between Alton and Alresford in Hampshire. Reporting directly to the CEO and joining the Senior Management Team, you will be responsible for the safe, compliant delivery of rolling stock, permanent way, signals, telecoms and estate projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of staff and volunteers across rolling stock, permanent way, signals & telecoms and estate departments.
• Ensure railway infrastructure and rolling stock meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Plan, budget and oversee strategic investment and maintenance work programmes.
• Manage projects from conception through delivery, monitoring timelines, costs and quality.
• Maintain compliance with CDM regulations and other statutory requirements.
• Prepare financial forecasts, budgets and reports for senior leadership.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in railway or similar infrastructure environments.
• Professional engineering background (civil, mechanical or structural) with recognised qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work with volunteers alongside paid staff.
• Strong understanding of CDM regulations and safety management.
• Experience managing limited budgets and delivering projects on time.

Required skills

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Structural engineering
• CDM compliance
• Signals and telecommunications
• Rolling stock engineering
• Project management

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum, DOE.
• Permanent, full‑time position within a historic and nationally recognised railway.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a major heritage attraction.