The Auckland Project
At the heart of our sites is Auckland Palace, the home of the Prince Bishops of Durham and the historic seat of faith and power in the North of England. The experience across our sites is deeply linked to those two themes and are repeated throughout the Palace and its gardens, the Faith Museum and the Mining Art and Spanish Galleries. The collection of our venues, spaces and places invites conversations about belonging, faith, loss, sacrifice, community, love and creativity. We would like our visitors to explore and to discover things about our town, our country and their own lives. We want to create encounters – and need your help to do so.
The role purpose
As Operations Manager you will manage and be responsible for all aspects of the day to day operation of the Weardale Railway, ensuring it is safe to operate and commercially successful.
This role requires someone who has proven rail operations experience, with a can-do attitude, and who takes responsibility for getting tasks done in a safe and compliant manner. You should be an experienced leader and a team player, used to working with people to get the very best from them. The postholder should be an excellent communicator who understands the importance of building and nurturing relationships with our vast network of stakeholders including our neighbours along the 18 miles of line.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
· Dealing with day-to-day operational issues such as trespass and contractor access.
· Providing appropriate management information to the General Manager
· Managing the Safety Management System and Rule Book.
· Production of the operational rosters
· Preparing Weekly Operating Notices, Periodic Operating Notices and Special Traffic Notices.
· Working with the Track Manager to ensure that the line allocated for use each day is certified as safe to use.
· Liaise with the Depot Manager regards allocation of the fleet and ensuring it is fit for service and at the right place at the right time.
· Ensuring that the railway is adequately staffed each day with qualified and certified staff with the appropriate rostering and forward planning in place.
· Monitoring of training needs for the Operational Staff and ensuring that all required certifications are current and appropriately recorded and updated.
· Liaising with the Weardale Railway Trust and other 3rd parties in order to prepare annual operating and working timetables.
· Updating the HOPS system with regards document control, competence management and rostering.
· Upholding the values of the Weardale Railway and setting an example for others.
· Leading and managing volunteers in a manner that is consistent with the values of the organisation.
· Liaising with neighbours and landowners on a regular basis to keep them informed of the railways activities, plans and operating timetable
Reporting Lines and Team Structure
As a member of the Weardale Railway Management Team, you will report to the Weardale Railway General Manager and work closely with the Depot Manager, Rail Technical Advisor, Track Manager, permanent staff, volunteers, contractors and external stakeholders to deliver the safe, efficient and commercially successful operation of the railway.
Health & Safety
Promote a positive approach to health, safety and accessibility by following TAP policies, procedures and guidelines. Help ensure a safe and supportive environment for visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors at all times.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
Relevant qualification/level
An Enhanced DBS check (or willing to undertake) – if required/ entitled to
Full Driving Licence
A1 Assessor qualification or equivalent
Experience
Proven minimum3 years experience in railway operations
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Administrative and IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint …
Not an experience
Knowledge & Skills
Strong communication & interpersonal skills with
Ability to multitask in a busy environment
The ability to lead, train and motivate staff
Administrative ability and IT literacy.
Numeracy and financial skills in order to monitor adhere to a budget.
Ability to work and lead in a team
Personal qualities. attitude and behaviours
Must be passionate about providing a quality customer experience
Strong leadership skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Attention to detail and accuracy
Interest in local communities and heritage
Desirable Criteria
Qualifications
Full Driver’s licence
Experience
Experience of training and mentoring team members
Previous experience of working with volunteers
Experience in carrying out risk assessment
Knowledge & Skills
Level 2 in numeracy & literacy
Have logistical skills and the ability to plan ahead
Excellent time management skills
Employee benefits
We pride ourselves in taking care of our team members. For your efforts we offer 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), pension contribution, free parking on site, access to staff discounts and local benefits, free unlimited access to our attractions for you and your family (restrictions apply), free access to our staff welfare programme including free medical, legal & financial advice and access to 24-hour counselling along with a large variety of retailer discounts.
The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project works hard to create a positive change for those living, working and visiting Bishop Auckland. We have created a visitor destination in Bishop Auckland, incorporating Auckland Castle (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), a Spanish Art Gallery, Faith Museum, Walled Garden, Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre and Weardale Railway.
We achieve our purpose in three main ways:
- As a visitor destination – through our buildings, collections, and natural environment
- As a centre for learning and skills – supporting development, education, and opportunity
- As an asset for Bishop Auckland – creating spaces and opportunities for community engagement
By working with us, you are helping to ensure the town’s future is as magnificent and vibrant as its past.
How to Apply
Apply for this role by downloading and completing an application form from https://aucklandproject.org/support-us/jobs/ and emailing this to recruitment@aucklandproject.org
We’re unable to accept CVs as applications. Please complete and submit our application form instead.
Closing date: 10th September 2026
If we receive a large number of applications, we may close the application process earlier than planned.
Pay: From £28,716.37 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person