ROLE General Manager – Railway TERM FT – Permanent (after trial period) REPORTS TO Ltd Board of Directors SALARY £40 to £45k negotiable

The Weardale Railway is an 18-mile long heritage line running from to Eastgate in , which runs a mixture of diesel heritage trains as well as catering trains, such as afternoon tea, and an extensive Christmas event. The line has a small permanent paid staff, including workshop, track maintenance, administration, with paid operational support as well as a volunteer workforce of around 50.

The Weardale Railway was acquired by The Auckland Project in March 2020, following a period of under investment, and is now being upgraded with a programme of infrastructure and permanent way repair.

The Weardale Railway Trust has been a constant throughout the heritage life of the railway and remains the key partner, supplying volunteer labour as well as operating the heritage service.

A programme of special events is planned and this will be marketed as part of the varied new visitor attraction in Bishop Auckland, which is based on the Castle and includes Kynren, the spectacular night show.

Job Description. A full time General Manager is sought to lead and manage all aspects of the day to day operation of the Weardale Railway, ensuring it is safe to operate and commercially successful. This job requires someone who has commercial acumen, with a can-do attitude, who takes responsibility for getting tasks done, who is a leader and a team player.

The successful applicant will be based at the company’s offices at Stanhope, will hold a current driving licence and, due to the nature of the appointment, will be required to undertake a company medical examination, which will include tests for colour blindness. A flexible approach to

hours will be required, which will include weekend and bank holiday working, school holidays, evenings and the period up to the Christmas celebrations.

Person Specification

Essential Desirable Good to Have Able to understand and implement Safety Experience in writing or assisting in Management Systems and to assist the board developing Safety Management Systems and in their further development. Risk Assessments

Effective communicator, able to inspire and Able to conduct press interviews, including motivate staff and volunteers. radio and tv

Works to highest standards with attention to detail

Good level of business and commercial awareness

Financially literate – including budgetary Working knowledge of Sage Accountancy or book-keeping training control, cashflow preparation, etc.

Suitably qualified by reason of previous Degree level qualifications or equivalent Management or Business Qualification experience or professional qualification

Experience of developing strategic business plans

Experience in working in volunteer-based Experience of heritage railways on a day to organisation. day basis or Experience of working in the tourism/heritage/cultural sector And the organisation of large-scale events

Understanding of safety legislation relevant Relevant safety qualification to the Weardale Railway and its obligations

Capable of working with external partners, regulatory bodies and other agencies, including those providing apprenticeships.

Flexible approach to hours, including work at weekends, school holidays, evenings and public holidays.

Full UK car driving licence

Willing to undertake training to gain at least At least one Safety Critical competency from Relevant Duty Manager or Responsible one safety critical competency. a UK . Officer qualification.

Able to pass WR Ltd company medical examination (including for colour blindness)

How to Apply: Apply for this role by emailing a covering letter of no more than one A4 side explaining why you are suitable for the role, together with a copy of your CV to [email protected]