Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.Freightliner was recently voted Rail Freight Company of the Year at the 2025 Multimodal Awards. We are a proud to highlight the company’s commitment to increased diversity and a supportive work culture for all employees.Role: LDC ManagerLocation: CrewePurpose of the Role:Reporting to the Groundstaff Operations Manager, you will lead a team who are responsible for maintaining and improving the competence of Shift Managers and Team Leaders. Where required and in the absence of the direct line Manager you will also support the management of Groundstaff and Shunt Drivers. You will contribute to the achievement of day-to-day UK rail operations and be responsible for the development and provision of a suitably trained, equipped and assessed rail operations team, in order to meet ongoing business requirements.The LDC Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of rail freight services across Crewe Basford Hall LDC and satellite locations. This role provides strategic and hands-on leadership to operational teams, ensuring optimal resource utilisation, performance management, and customer satisfaction. The post holder will also play a key role in safety-critical decision-making and emergency response coordination.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership
Oversee day-to-day rail freight operations across Crewe Basford Hall & Satellite Sites, ensuring adherence to schedules, safety protocols, and performance KPIs.Work in close partnership with PM/CDS, LOM-D, OSM, Groundstaff Operations Manager and Head of Operations to ensure seamless coordination across operational activities, driving performance, consistency, and alignment with strategic objectives.Lead operational planning, including train movements, traincrew deployment, and asset utilisation.Monitor real-time performance and implement corrective actions to minimise delays and service disruptions.Ensure operational alignment and consistency across all activities, contributing to the delivery of strategic objectives in line with company KPIs.Actively promote engagement, communication and dialogue within the team for the benefit of information flow, to embed best practice and to solidify management control and commercial and operational direction of the business;Ensure appropriate Designated Financial Authorities (‘DFAs’) are in place within your remit, and adhered to;Get involved in any ad hoc projects, , as may be required, from time to time.Safety & Compliance
Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring full compliance with industry regulations, Rail Safety & Standards Board guidelines, and Freightliner’s Rail Operations Safety System (ROSS).Promote a mindset of “Safety First” and instil an ethos of continual safety improvement within your area of responsibility;Ensure that Common Safe Systems of Work (CSSOW) documentation is kept up to date and that safe rail operations are maintained within the workplace.Conduct risk assessments, investigate incidents, and implement corrective actions as necessary.Ensure all operations staff within your areas of responsibility are trained in emergency procedures for major incident/accident management.Ensure that any operating or occupational accidents and incidents involving employees in your reporting line are properly recorded and investigated to a productive conclusion.Support and drive good governance and control (including Sarbanes Oxley (‘SOx’)) principles within your remit, identifying any potential deficiencies in controls and immediately remediate;Team & Competence Management
Lead and develop a team comprising of, Shift Managers and Team Leaders, located within Crewe Basford Hall and satellite locations. Providing management and leadership support to groundstaff and shunt driver roles as required in the absence of their Manager.Manage competence frameworks for safety-critical roles, including assessments, training, and certification.Support succession planning and staff development through coaching and structured learning.Ensure monthly out-of-hour visits, train crew, and depots checks are undertaken on time and recorded within work wallet.Encourage a positive and inclusive working environment by actively supporting staff wellbeing, promoting open communication, and ensuring individuals feel respected and supported across all operational areas.Ensure full compliance with HR policies and procedures, maintaining high standards in employee relations, performance management, and adherence to company and legal requirements.Nurture and develop talent within the team, promote apprenticeships and development of junior talent, ensure capable management succession and ensure the team is appropriately motivated and developed so that they carry out their responsibilities to the required standard;In conjunction with your local Head of HR, ensure a robust recruitment, induction and ongoing development programme is in place for the team;Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a key liaison with customers, Network Rail, and internal departments to ensure service quality and responsiveness.Collaborate with planning, rostering and commercial teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.Union Engagement
Engage constructively with ASLEF and RMT unions to support workforce relations and operational delivery.Continuous Improvement
Identify and implement operational efficiencies, cost-saving initiatives, and process improvements.Challenge existing business protocols with your own initiatives, pro-actively adding value to the business;Utilise data analytics and digital tools to monitor performance and drive innovation.Emergency Duties
Lead operational response during incidents, coordinating with on-call personnel and directing staff to ensure safe resolution.Key Job Requirements Essential
Proven experience in rail freight or transport operations management.Hold Groundstaff competencePTS and Train Movement medical competencyStrong knowledge of railway operational rules, safety standards, and infrastructure constraintsExperience managing safety-critical teams and competence frameworks.Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in dynamic environments.Ability to manage budget responsibilities and operate within delegated spending authority.Proactive manpower planning and budget management.Strong stakeholder relationship-building skills.Effective interaction across senior/middle management, Network Rail and union representatives.Willingness to work unsocial hours including weekends.Desirable
Experience in train crew management.Level 3 Certificate in Carrying Out Investigations in the Rail Industry.Level 3 Certificate in Assessing.Familiarity with digital operational systems including ORS, EDS, Omnia, TOPs and Power BI.Experience liaising with industry bodies such as ORR, Network Rail, and freight customers.Experience working with groundstaff operations and supervision.Behavioral CompetenciesExhibits and lives the Group Corporate Values;Attacks goals and objectives with drive, energy and enthusiasm;Proactive approach to work and uses own initiative to implement improvements;Embraces new challenges, is hands on and gets things done;Sets high standards of work for self, and team, and consistently achieves these;High level of integrity and openness, combined with commitment to good governance;Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation, in pursuit of business growth and success;Leads by example and provides honest and clear leadership that helps drive results;Ability to remain calm under pressureOur commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.
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