Operations Training, Competence & Standards Manager

The Operations Training, Competence & Standards Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining Company's operational competence management framework, training strategy, operational standards and Rule Book implementation to ensure a safe, competent and professional railway workforce throughout Operational Readiness and into commercial operations.The role establishes and governs the Operations Competence Management System, developing competency standards, training programs, assessment methodologies, certification arrangements and operational standards for Safety Critical and Key Safety positions across train operations, network operations, operations control, terminals, rolling stock and infrastructure functions. The position is responsible for ensuring that competence management arrangements comply with applicable regulatory requirements, recognized railway standards and Company's Safety Management System, while providing objective competence evidence in support of the Operations Safety Case and regulatory authorization.The role supports Operational Readiness by ensuring that all operational personnel are trained, assessed, certified and demonstrably competent ahead of Testing & Commissioning, operational trials, shadow operations and Entry into Service. In addition, the role plays a strategic part in establishing Company's long-term operational capability by developing structured competence pathways, knowledge transfer programs and workforce capability initiatives that support the organization's In-Country Value (ICV), Emiratization and Omanisation objectives, ensuring the progressive transfer of railway knowledge and operational expertise from experienced international professionals to the future national workforce.Prior to commercial operations, the role will focus on training, competence and operational readiness activities as determined by the Operational Readiness Plan. Following Entry into Service, the role will maintain and continually improve Company's operational competence framework, standards, certification processes and workforce development program to support the safe, efficient and sustainable operation of the railway.Principal Accountabilities1. Competence Management Framework:• Develop and implement the Company operational competence management system, including competence standards, profiles and assessment criteria for all operational roles.• Establish certification, licensing and reassessment arrangements for safety critical and key safety positions.• Maintain competence records and provide competence assurance evidence to the Operations Safety Case and regulators.2. Training Strategy and Delivery:• Develop the operational training strategy, training needs analysis, curricula and course materials for train operations, network operations and infrastructure roles.• Plan and deliver training programs, including classroom, simulator, on-the-job and route learning components.• Manage training facilities, training resources and third-party training providers.3. Rule Book and Operational Standards:• Support Rule Book development and lead its implementation, briefing and assessment across the operational workforce.• Develop and maintain operational standards, procedures and supporting documentation in coordination with Professional Heads.• Establish arrangements for managing changes to rules, standards and procedures, including communication and re-training.4. Operational Readiness Management:• Oversee the preparation and implementation of operational readiness strategies and plans related to operations training and competence, including readiness of the workforce for testing & commissioning and trial operations.• Coordinate operational readiness activities including testing & commissioning support, trial operations, training and resource mobilization in line with the Operational Readiness Plan.• Ensure that all systems, processes and procedures within the area of responsibility are fully functional, validated and compliant with safety and performance requirements ahead of Entry into Service.5. Nationalization, In-Country Value (ICV) and Capability Development:• Lead the development and implementation of the Company Operations & Maintenance Competence Development Strategy in support of the organization's In-Country Value (ICV), Emiratization and Omanisation objectives.• Develop structured knowledge transfer programs to ensure the progressive transfer of operational knowledge, technical expertise and best practice from experienced international railway professionals to national employees.• Establish succession planning, career pathways and competency development programs to build long-term indigenous operational capability across all safety-critical operational disciplines.• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, education partners, vocational institutions and external training providers to support the development of sustainable national railway skills and professional qualifications.• Ensure competence frameworks, training programs and assessment arrangements support the development, certification and continual competence of UAE and Omani nationals.• Monitor and report on knowledge transfer, nationalisation and workforce capability KPIs, ensuring compliance with Company's strategic workforce development objectives.• Promote a culture of coaching, mentoring and continuous professional development to establish a self-sustaining railway operations capability within the UAE and Oman.6. Stakeholder Engagement:• Act as the focal point for internal and external stakeholders on all matters related to training, competence and operational standards.• Facilitate seamless communication and interface management between internal teams, contractors, suppliers and external partners.• Ensure alignment of deliverables with stakeholder expectations, contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.7. Risk and Issue Management:• Identify potential risks and issues impacting operational readiness and steady-state operations within the area of responsibility.• Develop mitigation plans and implement corrective actions as needed.• Maintain the relevant risk registers and report regularly to senior management on status, progress and emerging risks.8. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:• Establish quality benchmarks and ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and Company management system requirements.• Conduct reviews and audits to identify lessons learned and implement improvements for future initiatives.• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision making and operational excellence.9. Leadership and Team Management:• Lead, develop and manage the training and competence team, trainers and assessors, ensuring the right structure, capability and capacity to deliver.• Develop team capabilities through training, coaching and mentorship, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.• Ensure clear communication between teams, management and stakeholders to align on objectives and deliver results.10. Compliance and Safety:• Ensure adherence to regulatory, safety and environmental requirements across all training and competence management activities.• Drive a strong safety culture, supporting audits, inspections and the close-out of corrective actions.• Support the development and maintenance of the Company Operations Safety Case, safety management system and associated assurance processes.Knowledge, Skills, and Experience1. Technical and Industry Knowledge and Experience:• Significant experience with leadership responsibility for operational competence management, railway standards and workforce development.• Demonstrable experience designing competence management systems, operational assessments and railway training programs within recognized railway organizations.• Strong knowledge of railway operating rules, procedures and safety critical communications.• Experience supporting operational readiness and workforce mobilization for new railway operations.2. Technical Skills:• Proficiency in learning management systems, competence management tools and training design methodologies.• Capability in developing assessment instruments, simulator scenarios and practical evaluations.• Strong documentation and standards-writing skills.3. Leadership and Management Skills:• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and achieving results in high-pressure environments.• Strong planning and organizational skills with a focus on delivering operational efficiency.• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and risk management abilities.4. Communication Skills:• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure seamless stakeholder engagement and high-quality technical documentation.• Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.• Ability to manage relationships across departments, contractors, vendors and regulatory bodies.5. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:• Ability to analyze complex operational and technical situations and develop practical, risk-based solutions.• Skilled in identifying risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.• Proficient in the use of data and performance information to drive decisions and improvements.6. Education and Certifications:• Bachelor’s degree in education, Engineering, Transport Operations or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).• Recognized qualifications in training, assessment or competence management (e.g. Train the Trainer, Assessor Awards) highly desirable.7. Work Experience:• Minimum of 15 years’ railway industry experience, including leadership responsibility for operational competence management, standards and workforce development.• Demonstrated delivery of training and competence programs for railway start-ups or major operational change highly desirable.