I started as a Postal Cadet and now I am a Mobile Operations Manager
Eight years ago I left a job which I had spent 21 years in. Starting as a postal cadet (Telegram Boy) in May 1992 for Royal Mail I worked my way through the ranks to eventually become the Late Shift Operations Manager (Chief Inspector) for the West of Scotland mail processing centre. Back then I had over 600 staff, 7 engineers and 23 managers under my supervision when on shift, any given day. Not to mention a load of responsibility and expectation of constant success. I was so proud of the job I held back then but 10 years ago, life circumstances, demanded a change.
I knew I could give much more as a person and wanted to make a real direct difference to people. I joined Network Rail 5 years ago and continued to challenge myself. Network Rail through one manager in particular extended me opportunities to find real happiness at work by really challenging myself. This was done by being guided on how to open up my potential for career advancement.
I am now a Mobile Operations Manager, which is a job that meets all my personal and career aspirations. The role let’s me help and support people and make a difference everyday.
Mobile Operations Manager
As a Mobile Operations Manager I am responsible for ensuring that, during times of rail service disruption or incidents that have the potential to cause rail service disruption, that I manage the incident effectively with the aim to minimise delay. I must also coordinate a prompt service recovery from ground level for the customer.
Being able to make a difference instantly
To keep it short, I am now in a job that I love, which most said I would never obtain and part of a fantastic team. I actually feel blessed and lucky to do what I do. I am called upon when required to manage situations to the best possible outcome. In affect, making a difference instantly. Which is all I have ever wanted to do.
Have a aspiration which is flexible and find a mentor for guidance.
The specific benefits of being mentored are you can get to where you want quicker and without misconception of what you need to do.
You will also be encouraged and empowered in personal development. Direct support to identify and achieve career goals and guided to identify and correct gaps in generic skills and knowledge.
This will increase your confidence and help develop and maintain a broader perspective on career options and opportunities.
It worked for me.
Gaining knowledge quickly to become a Mobile Ops Manager
I would be lying if I said it was not tough to come from a job which had no connection to railway operations and then work in railway operations. Network Rail as a company is great at seeing a persons potential and giving opportunities to develop. Many a night I struggled with understanding, but with mentorship I came through the journey.
