The Engineering Supervisor (ES) is a vital leadership and safety role responsible for overseeing and managing all engineering activities within a worksite on the operational railway. They act as the primary interface between the planning stages and the on-the-ground execution of complex engineering tasks, ensuring work is carried out safely, efficiently, and to the required standards.

What is an Engineering Supervisor?

An ES is a highly experienced and competent individual who takes direct responsibility for the safe and correct execution of specific engineering work on the track or associated infrastructure. They are typically responsible for a specific work package or task within a larger possession or work site, overseeing the teams performing the physical work. While a COSS manages the safe system of work to protect against trains, the ES focuses on the safe and correct completion of the engineering task itself.

Key Duties and Responsibilities of an ES:

The ES role demands strong leadership, technical expertise, excellent communication, and meticulous planning to deliver engineering outcomes safely. Their duties typically include:

• Task Management: Directing and supervising the work group to ensure engineering tasks are completed according to the work plan, technical specifications, and quality standards.

• Resource Management: Managing the allocation of personnel, plant (machinery), and materials required for their specific work package.

• Technical Compliance: Ensuring all engineering work complies with relevant engineering standards, Network Rail specifications, and company procedures.

• Quality Assurance: Overseeing the quality of work performed and conducting checks to ensure it meets required standards.

• Safety Briefings: Delivering comprehensive safety briefings (often in conjunction with the COSS) specific to the engineering tasks being undertaken.

• Risk Management: Identifying and managing risks associated with the engineering work itself, beyond the basic safety from train movements.

• Communication & Coordination: Liaising with the Person In Charge (PIC), COSS, SSOWP, and other ESs to ensure seamless coordination across the larger worksite.

• Problem Solving: Addressing and resolving technical or logistical issues that arise during the work.

• Reporting: Providing accurate progress reports and documentation of completed work.

Where an Engineering Supervisor can work within TES:

The ES competency is absolutely core to TES's project delivery, as it underpins the effective execution of all engineering works. ESs are integral to:

• Permanent Way (P-Way): A primary area, overseeing track renewals, re-railing, re-ballasting, stressing, S&C (Switches & Crossings) installation, and major track maintenance.

• Electrification (OLE / 3rd Rail): Managing the installation, maintenance, and renewal of overhead line equipment or third rail systems.

• Technical Services: Supervising specialised engineering tasks such as intricate signalling installations, bridge repairs, or other infrastructure enhancements.

• Project Delivery Teams: Essential for leading work packages within large, complex rail infrastructure projects.

• Site Management/Operations: Senior ESs may progress into broader site management or operational leadership roles, overseeing multiple engineering teams.