Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the upcoming 5th Philippine Railway Summit which will take place from 15-16th November at the City of Dreams Manila Hotel, Philippines.
The 5th Philippine Railway Modernization and Expansion summit will gather 200 c -level executives from DOTR, MRT, LRTA, LRMC, PNR, Government Authorities and all Railway stakeholders to discuss the future of Country’s railway systems and exchange ideas regarding challenges, strategies and solution from the construction and railway operation. This event will welcome solution provider to present their best solutions and ideas to help improve railway projects, developments and operation in the country.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://mykar-events.net/5th_Railway/5th_Railway.html
It's a bumper week for Job of the Week this week!
In Saudi Arabia, we are looking for a Track Manager and a Train Master and Taiwan, we are looking for a Project Control Manager (must be fluent in Mandarin).
In Melbourne, Australia we are looking for an Integration and Testing Manager and a Change Management Coordinator. Please note that these roles in Australia are open only to those with the right to work in Australia.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
17 October 2023. Canada. Transport Canada Launches RFP for High Frequency Rail Project
Canada’s Minister for Transport, Pablo Rodriguez has launched the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the nation’s High Frequency Rail project. This significant infrastructure project will establish a rail line from Québec City to Toronto with dedicated tracks for passenger services. The RFP will be ongoing until summer 2024. The Government of Canada will then select a private developer partner to work collaboratively with VIA HFR on delivering the rail corridor.
Source: Railway-News
17 October 2023. Alstom and FLOX Robotics join forces to prevent wildlife collisions on railways
Alstom has partnered with robotics innovator FLOX Robotics to address a critical issue in the railway sector: wildlife collisions. The railway industry often faces unavoidable collisions with animals due to train speeds and braking distances, resulting in material damage, emotional trauma for train drivers, and animal deaths. In response to these challenges, Alstom and FLOX Robotics are introducing a solution to repel animals and reduce the likelihood of collisions.
Source: Rail Market
16 October 2023. India. Factory opens to produce Japanese-designed slab track in India
A highly automated facility for the local production of Japanese J-slab ballastless track components has opened in Anand, southeast of Ahmedabad. Opened on September 30, the factory will produce the ballastless reinforced concrete trackbed for a 116 km section of double-track on the 508 km Mumbai – Ahmedabad high speed line. This is now under construction, with the last of the 11 civil works packages being awarded on August 10.
Source: Railway Gazette
16 October 2023. Finland. Helsinki provider announces €1.6bn LRV tender
Metropolitan Area Transport, the successor to Helsinki City Transport (HKL), has issued an invitation to participate in a €1.6bn LRV tender to provide 63 new LRVs (Light rail vehicles). The Finnish tender procedure has been set to replace older vehicles from the 1970s and 1980s whilst extending rolling stock operations across the rail network. The Helsinki light rail network will oversee extensions including the introduction of 63 new LRVs, fitting in with the city’s expanding infrastructure.
Source: Railway Technology
16 October 2023. United States. Brightline to develop AI system to monitor trespassing incidents
US rail operator Brightline has received over $1.6m from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to develop an AI monitoring system with Wi-Tronix to collect real-time data on trespass activity along its rail corridor. The grant, through the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, will include the installation of HD forward-facing cameras on all of Brightline’s 21 locomotives along the Florida East Coast Railway corridor.
Source: Railway Technology
Land Transport Authority marked the start of construction of the Cross Island Line — Punggol Extension with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Riviera station on October 10. The 7·3 km CPE will have four stations at Punggol, Riviera, Elias (provisional name), and Pasir Ris. ‘With three out of these four stations being interchanges, CPE will become a link between the North East Line, East-West Line and the CRL main line, creating new travel options for our residents in the northeastern and eastern regions of Singapore’, said Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat.
Source: Metro Report International
13 October 2023. Germany. DB Invests in New Digital Technologies for ICE Maintenance
Deutsche Bahn is investing 55 million EUR in new artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies to support the maintenance of its growing ICE fleet. On average, DB puts three new ICE trains into operation every month, resulting in a need to efficiently manage its maintenance procedures. The company is thus leveraging AI and robotics to help service its trains and return them to passenger operations more quickly.
Source: Railway-News
Jobs of the Week
Track Manager, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Job ID#: 13801
Discipline: Permanent Way
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Track Manager to work closely with the track section manager to produce comprehensive work plans and undertake inspections to ensure compliance with the company's standards and rules.
The purpose of the role is to assist the track section manager with the maintenance and repair of track and off-track assets. You will be involved in all maintenance activities including planned preventative maintenance, fault-finding, and repair within mandated timescales. Maintenance of auditable systems as required. In addition, the successful candidate will be required to develop engineering solutions to maintenance problems, carry out technician assessments, and support principal investigations.
Key Accountabilities:
* Establish and maintain appropriate safety arrangements on behalf of the section manager
* Carry out work safely and in accordance with the safe systems of work procedures, method statements, or other relevant instructions.
* Undertake work and associated duties for which you are trained and competent.
* Undertake and direct work activities in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with all relevant standards.
* Control and check the quality of work undertaken and confirm assets are compliant with standards.
* Undertake checks to ensure the team has appropriate and valid competencies.
* Check that vehicles, plants, tools, equipment, and materials under your control are fit for use and are used/ stored and disposed of correctly.
* Accurately report all work completed/not completed and produce/maintain records as required.
* Contribute to your own development and that of others.
* Adhere to company policies and procedures.
The role will entail:
* Track Inspection
* Track maintenance
* S&C inspection
* Structures inspection works
* Boundary maintenance & inspection works
* Sand mitigation works
* Drainage works
* Control of Welding/flash butting
* Control of Grinding
* Technical works
* Training/Mentorship
* Loading/unloading materials
* Planning
* On call
* Incident response
* Complicit to additional works required by Track Maintenance Manager
* Track quality
Job Requirements
* Experience in arranging and implementing safe systems of work.
* Experience in organizing and controlling the safe and efficient delivery of work.
* Able to demonstrate, promote and embed safe working behaviors within the team.
* Able to lead, motivate and direct a team.
* Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
* Knowledge and experience of permanent way inspection, faulting, maintenance, and renewal techniques.
* Knowledge of relevant standards, procedures, and instructions.
* Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by business needs.
* Ideally, hold (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or have attained the appropriate level of knowledge gained through equivalent relevant experience.
* Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business needs.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Train Master, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Job ID#: 13800
Discipline: Operations
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for an experienced Train Master to join our Mineral and cargo Business Unit to manage and oversee the management of the train drivers. Train Master is responsible for the safe operation of trains and compliance of On-Board traincrew to the client's operational standards and policies. A Train Master will proactively monitor and ensure proactive management of the On-Board traincrew.
Duties and responsibilities:
* Personally maintain driving competency and all other associated operational competencies
* Lead and assist the onboard train crew to ensure total compliance with all safety requirements, including maintaining robust audit trails and DG trains handling
* Assist in the development and delivery of training material in line with company standards.
* Ensure all areas of competence within the CMS are current and applicable for specific roles within own responsibility
* Carry out an assessment of drivers and pilots to ensure the correct standards applicable to the role are being met.
* Ensure all assessments and competence processes are carried out using the correct methods
* Agree and authorize any specific monitoring requirements for individuals within train crew grade
* Recommend removal from duties of any onboard staff if doubts exist concerning the individual's capability or competence to continue, in conjunction with the On-Board Supervisor and Compliance Manager.
* Undertake any training as required by the client
* Ensure that train crews are trained to handle DG trains and report DG train incidents
* Assist in the production, and undertake reviews of effective operational material.
* Arrange and conduct assessments within set time periods.
* Attend any meetings as required and complete any subsequent actions in agreed timescales.
* Where agreed a commitment to attend and if necessary lead the investigation into significant operational incidents
* Ensure serious operational incidents/accident investigation procedures have been followed including recommendations that would lead to improvements.
* Assist and support the On Board/Operations Supervisor as required.
* Have a pivotal role in the personal safety of all staff and promote a positive safety culture throughout
* Be a role model for safety through compliance and direction of safety requirements.
* Take immediate action as necessary to stop any obvious safety risks to staff and/ or operations
* Ensure that all recommendations from post-incident inquiries are implemented using agreed processes
* Assist in the development and delivery of operational safety material, Safety briefs / Safety training days, Operating notices and instructions in collaboration with Operations, Compliance and Safety departments.
* Carry out any other duties, as directed by the client, for which you are certified as competent to undertake
* Be the operations on-call and work in shifts
* Highlight any developing safety risks in general to staff and/or operations and agree on any remedial actions with Operations and Compliance management.
* Ensure that statutory reporting is carried out correctly and in standard timescales.
* Filling the Terminal master Task Logger and any reports needed for the operations
Job Requirements
1- Excellent background in Railways
2- Able to provide Classroom, practical training, and conduct assessments
5- Excellent English Language
3- Qualified assessor or working toward one with good knowledge of CMS
4- Must be physically fit (to comply with the client's Medical Fitness Requirement For Safety Critical)
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
Integration and Testing Manager, Melbourne, Australia
Job ID#: 13802
Discipline: Automatic Fare Collection
Language: English
Job Description:
The Integration and Testing Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing integration testing activities and ensuring the quality, reliability and seamless integration of our ticketing systems and software. This position requires strong leadership skills, a solid understanding of integration and testing methodologies, and a keen eye for detail. The Integration and Testing Manager will lead a team of testers and collaborate with cross-functional Software and hardware teams to implement effective integration testing strategies and processes, contributing to the successful delivery of high-quality ticketing solutions.
Role Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement comprehensive integration test strategies, and plans, taking into consideration various ticketing modules, third-party integrations and data flows.
* Coordinate and oversee the integration of various systems, modules, and components including test plans, within the ticketing system platform, ensuring adherence to established processes and timelines. Create detailed test cases, test scripts, and test scenarios for various integration points within the ticketing platform. Monitor and evaluate integration test results, providing guidance and support to testers to resolve issues and ensure the accuracy and reliability of test outcomes.
* Track, prioritize, and manage defects identified during the integration testing, working closely with development teams to ensure timely resolution.
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of integration testing goals with overall project objectives., including development, business analysis, operations, and stakeholders, to gather requirements, clarify specifications, and address testing-related issues. Communicate effectively to provide regular updates on testing progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
* Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of integration test plans, test cases, and test results.
* Identify potential risks related to integrations and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions to ticketing services.
* Lead and manage the integration test team. Set clear performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and facilitate professional development opportunities. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment to promote teamwork, employee engagement, and high performance.
Requirements:
Knowledge
* Strong understanding of integration protocols, APIs, and data exchange mechanisms.
* Strong understanding of Configuration Management.
* Strong understanding of Release Management.
Job Requirements:
* Minimum of 10 years test experience and minimum of 5 years of proven experience in integration testing Management with complex systems including software and hardware, particularly within ticketing systems or related domains.
* Experience of ISO/IEC 15288:2015 'Systems and software engineering - System life cycle processes' (or equivalent)
* Experience of ISO/IEC 24748 'Systems and software engineering - Life cycle management' (or equivalent)
* Experience with test automation tools and frameworks.
* Excellent communication and leadership skills.
* Proficiency in test management and defect tracking tools.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
Education
* Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
Change Management Coordinator, Melbourne, Australia
Job ID#: 13806
Discipline: Business Intelligence
Position Type: Permanent
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Change Management Coordinator to join their team. As a Change Management Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in understanding and improving our business processes and systems, helping us make informed decisions to drive organizational success.
Candidates must have full working rights for Australia, i.e. Australian Citizens to be considered for this role.
Role Responsibilities:
* Collaborate with stakeholders to elicit and document business requirements, ensuring a deep understanding of business needs and objectives.
* Analyze and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights, providing valuable input for decision-making.
* Document and model current and future business processes to identify areas for improvement and optimisation.
* Conduct meetings and presentations to share ideas and findings.
* Document and communicate the results of individual efforts.
* Assist in the planning and execution of change management strategies for implementing new processes or systems.
* Effectively communicate insights and plans to cross-functional team members and management.
* Gather critical information from meetings with various stakeholders and produce useful reports.
* Work closely with clients, technicians, and managerial staff.
* Ensure solutions meet business needs and requirements.
* Perform user acceptance testing.
* Manage project plans, develop project plans, and monitor performance.
* Update, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures.
* Prioritize initiatives based on business needs and requirements.
* Maintain detailed documentation of project activities, requirements, and solutions for reference and compliance purposes.
* Serve as a liaison between stakeholders and users.
Job Requirements
* A bachelor's degree in business or related field / MBA.
* A minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in business analysis or a related field.
* Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
* Strong detail orientation skills.
* Ability to influence stakeholders and work closely with them to determine acceptable solutions.
* Advanced technical and excellent documentation skills.
* Experience creating detailed reports and giving presentations.
* Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint and Outlook.
* Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills.
*Business Analyst (Change Management):
- Experience with Change Management Methodologies
- Experience documenting As-is and to be Business process maps and work instructions
- Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Adaptability and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
*Business Analyst (Systems Analyst):
- Experience documenting the Business process and System Data flows
- Experience with V-cycle systems engineering life cycles
- Experience with requirements traceability
- Experience with Testing verification and validation
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Project Control Manager (Hsinchu), Hsinchu, Taiwan
Job ID#: 13804
Discipline: Finance
Language: Mandarin, English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Project Control Manager (Hsinchu).
Duties & Responsibilities:
* Lead the project control team to plan and integrate time schedule, cost, material control information, and cooperate with the project to complete the work.
* Lead the project control team to plan and integrate time schedule, cost, material control information, and cooperate with the project to complete the work.
* Support with all commercial questions during the bidding phase including commercial bid calculation via benchmarks Request for quotation from sub-suppliers and unit price calculation
* Preparation of the commercial offer and commercial review of the contract documents
* Collaboration in the preparation of the risk analysis regarding commercial, financial and fiscal aspects
* Responsible for compliance and follow-up of all commercial aspects within the project execution and timely reporting according to internal regulations (eg cash flow, late payments, potential litigation, budget overruns, etc.)
* Cost control for the designated project: Timely and regular preparation and tracking of project forecast and internal business reports for the project.
* Participation in contract award negotiations and supplementary negotiations with customers and subcontractors
Job Requirements
* Good knowledge of cost accounting, IFRS and with calculations
* Very good MS Office skills
* Business fluent in English
* Independent and structured way of working
* Commitment, flexibility and reliability Willingness to travel
Contact: Patricia Hsiao (patricia@railpersonnel.com)
