Sentinel Manager – Rail Compliance & RISQS Lead

Overview

Optime Group are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experiencedSentinel Manager / Rail Compliance Lead to take full ownership of the rail compliance function within their Rail Division.

This is asenior, trusted compliance role with genuine autonomy, responsible for maintaining anaudit-ready rail operation, leading the annualRISQS audit, and ensuring full compliance withNetwork Rail, Sentinel, and client standards year-round.

The role has become available following a recent resignation and is viewed as akey hire, with the business keen to appoint someone who can confidently take ownership and “just get on with the job”.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director and working closely with the Compliance Director, you will act as thesubject matter expert across:

Sentinel & RISQS
Fatigue management
Medicals
Drugs & Alcohol compliance

This is ahands-off, non-micromanaged environment, designed for an experienced rail compliance professional who values trust, accountability, and balance.

The role is based inGloucestershire, from a modern business park location, withflexibility built in:

Typically1–2 days per week office-based
The remainder flexible depending on workload
Occasional travel only to rail sites (not routine)

Key Responsibilities

Lead and successfully deliver theannual RISQS audit, maintaining a robust and up-to-date audit evidence library
Own and maintain theRail Compliance Matrix and Sentinel dashboards
Manage allSentinel sponsorship activities, including Primary Sponsorship, Sub-Sponsorship (in/out), and De-Sponsorship
Ensure all pre-sponsorship checks and competence validations are completed correctly
Maintain theRail Training Matrix, tracking competence profiles, expiries, and gaps
Produce clear compliance and audit reporting packs for senior stakeholders
Manage operativemedical and Drugs & Alcohol compliance, including random and for-cause testing
OverseeFatigue360, ensuring training, planned hours, actuals, and fatigue controls remain compliant
Complete fatigue assessments and plans where operational changes occur
Maintain rail equipment registers and support internal rail audits and NCR close-outs
Coordinate rail governance and communications, including:

Monthly rail review meetings
Rail TBT programmes
Network Rail safety bulletins and briefings
RISQS portal monitoring
CIRAS membership and engagement

Why this role appeals to experienced Sentinel professionals

Senior,trusted role with real ownership
Flexible working pattern (office / hybrid balance)
Occasional travel only, not constant site hopping
Modern office environment withallocated parking
Direct access to decision-makers
Clear expectations, no bureaucracy, no micromanagement

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The client is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of society. Reasonable adjustments or additional arrangements can be discussed at any stage of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced rail compliance professional looking for a senior role that offersresponsibility without burnout, please submit your CV to apply.

Alternatively, you may emailJack.beck@optimegroup.co.uk for a confidential discussion.

Proven experience in aSentinel Coordinator / Rail Compliance / Rail Compliance Manager role

Demonstrable experience leading or heavily supporting successfulRISQS audits
Strong working knowledge of:

Network Rail standards and requirements
RISQS audit protocols
Sentinel Scheme Rules
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
Confident communicator, able to challenge and escalate where compliance is at risk

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary:£50,000 – £55,000 per annum
Free on-site parking
Learning & development funding and support
Mentorship and progression opportunities
Private healthcare following successful probation
Cycle to Work scheme
Work socials and team events
Corporate lake membership for swimming

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