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Shunter

Posted June 02, 2026
Permanent - Full Time £31,598 / year

Job Overview

West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - London Northwestern Railways & West Midlands Railways.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are looking to recruit Shunters on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Shrewsbury. Please note, it will be working permanent night shifts.
 
You will develop and implement a stabling plan to ensure all arriving units receive the required maintenance. Safely and efficiently control train movements to ensure correct formations for timely departures, in full compliance with Industry Group Standards, Depot Operating Instructions, and Depot Protection Procedures. 

Ensure timely and planned arrival and departure of traction from the depot. 

You will carry out key operational tasks, including shunting, CET servicing, tanking, radiator cleaning and replenishing fluids /consumables where suitably trained (e.g. Screen wash and sand). Strictly comply with all applicable instructions, rules, and regulations to ensure safety and operational integrity. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform duties as Person in Charge of Sidings (PICOS), Designated Person and PIC when required. 
  • Follow instructions from the Leadership Team within your competence.
  •  Prioritise personal and team safety, report near misses, safety concerns, and incidents through the correct process.
  •  Ensure all traction movements are conducted safely and in compliance with local rules, regulations, and depot procedures.
  •  Control the arrival and departure of vehicles, including coupling, uncoupling and reformation in line with Industry Group Standards and Depot Operating Instructions.
  •  Assist with operational tasks such as CET servicing, tanking, radiator cleaning and replenishing consumables (e.g. Screen wash and sand). 
  • Develop and execute a stabling plan to ensure all units receive the required maintenance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

  • Successful completion of required competencies for shunting and related operational tasks. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently at all levels. 
  • Proven ability to work independently and use initiative in a dynamic operational environment.

To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.

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