Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Work Preference
Interests
Websites
Timeline
Generic
Paul James

Paul James

Electrification Specialist/OHLE Project Manager
Peterborough,Cambs

Summary

With Over 30 years of railway experience in overhead line catenary engineering, construction management, and project management. Valuable expertise gained through diverse roles on minor and major multidisciplinary rail systems projects in the UK, Europe, and internationally. I've Successfully represented both contractor and client on site-based construction projects. Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to project requirements, show initiative, and take accountability for delivering tasks. Ultimate goal is to consistently achieve successful project completion on time, with safety as the top priority.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

OHLE (OCS) Specialist

CAF Turnkey and Engineering
11.2024 - Current
  • Attend IDC and design development meetings as OHL Lead.
  • Support designers with approvals from the clients.
  • Co-Ordinate site Engineers and supervision.
  • Support site installation and engineering issues.
  • Support and review the risk assessment, Method Statement and ITP’s.
  • Manage commercial budgets and all Contractor and sub-Contractor payments.
  • Manage and review of all OHLE testing and commission documentation to ensure adherence to technical and regulatory requirements.
  • Attend all safety forums, Risk review attendance and input, lead on lessons learnt.
  • Oversee the development of the technical standards (RAMS).
  • Lead OLE Manager at integration meetings.

OCS Manager/Specialist

WSP/ISR
09.2022 - 10.2024
  • OCS specialist managing the construction and completion of all OCS works on the Electrification project for the entire Israeli rail network.
  • Provide Technical support and guidance to the Client, contractor and my team.
  • Present updates to client and senior management.
  • Develop and update procedures and technical documentation.
  • Analyze failures within the system and provide detailed reports to the client.
  • Conduct site inspections to identify asset defects.
  • Oversee the development of the technical standards (RAMS).
  • Lead or support initiatives to improve the engineering practices.
  • Authorize all monthly accounts on behalf of the client for all Contractor and Sub-Contractor payments.
  • Manage and oversee all electrification safety forums.

OLHE Specialist/Consultant

Pro Rail and Infrabel
10.2021 - 08.2022
  • Collaborating with the designers on behalf of the clients and alongside the contractors in delivering the projects to a high standard.
  • I have functioned as mentor for many of the sub-contractors passing down many years of knowledge and experience in delivering high output projects with lean timescales.
  • I collaborate closely with the client and act on their behalf to ensure the quality of work in the timescales provided.

UK Business Delivery Unit Manager

SWGR
12.2020 - 10.2021
  • As business delivery unit manager for the UK, my key role on a day-to-day operation of the business unit was for OLE isolations and construction reporting directly to the group Managing Director.
  • My role also included promoting the business's growth, seeking new clients and opportunities, resourcing, tendering, client point of contact, depot budgets, recruitment and managing c50 members of staff reporting directly to myself.
  • OLE construction CRE on more complex schemes when required.
  • This was a rewarding senior role successfully delivering multiple schemes across the UK for the client with the challenges in reacting and responding to faults and maintenance support to always support a safe operational railway.

Construction Manager/OLE CRE

Red Viking Rail
10.2019 - 12.2020
  • Platform extensions – Minor Snagging works from Canopy upgrades, Copping stone renewals to pedestrian footbridge modifications.

Project Manager/OLE CRE

Hochtief
10.2019 - 12.2020
  • Multiple Station and platform works in Southwest London – overseeing all OHL installations including Temp and perm Bonding.

Construction Manager/OLE CRE

TES2000
10.2019 - 12.2020
  • Working with NWR Maintainer and works delivery units at multiple depots and sites around UK.

OLE Consultant/ Construction CRE

TES 2000
10.2019 - 12.2020
  • Collaborating with designers on all OLE designs for future construction works.
  • Attending IDC meetings weekly, Overseeing all OHL projects.

OLE Construction CRE

BCM
10.2019 - 12.2020
  • Structure and foundation correlation – Bonding Correlation – AC to DC damage inspections.

Project Manager

Network Rail
05.2018 - 10.2019
  • King’s Cross station throat and approaches were to be remodelled including a new track layout, new Overhead Line Electrification (OLE) and a new conventional signalling system due life expired switches and crossings (S&C) in the throat and Belle Isle area including signalling Interlockings and OLE upgrades.
  • As project Manager for the OLE scope of works for GRIP 58, my role included but not limited to IDC and Design Development attendance, Weekend site Construction/Project Management, Inspection Test Paperwork and physical inspections, Manage commercial budgets, Assisting in Section 61 applications, Conduct QSRAs with Planning and Risk teams on key possession works, DWWP process`s, Risk review attendance and input, lead on lessons learnt and investigations, reviewer and approver for all WPPs and Task briefings and to manage the OLE principle contractor.
  • This was an exciting and challenging process to achieve key programme milestones for an iconic East Coast Main Line Upgrades scheme.

Project Manager and OLE CRE

Electren & TRAC Engineering
12.2015 - 05.2018
  • As Project Manager and Construction CRE for the programme in accordance with NR/L2/INI/02009, I Managed and lead a team of 3 Construction Managers and 3 Discipline Engineers in particularly delivering the OLE scope of works for NWR, TFL and NEXUS across 3no.station upgrades.
  • This included managing rail discipline contractors for OLE, PWay and Civils, Rolling out and implementing mandatory OLE Appreciation briefings for OLEC 1 to all staff on the project (Rail and non-Rail), planning and integrating works including disruptive possessions, ROR and blockades with the support of the planning teams, managing 2no.design sub-contractors at IDCs/IDR`s through to AFC and to ensure delivery and handover (GRIP6-8) were delivered successfully and safely.
  • I also provided guidance and service support to the core team for all engineering TQ’s and project close out documentation.
  • The personal attributes that I brought to this diverse role as a leader were to be energetic, dynamic and self-motivated. I had to be flexible and adaptable with a reasonable degree of mobility, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. I needed to be able to develop strong relationships with clients, be an intuitive, creative thinker and be able to conceptualize business opportunities support.

Project Manager and Construction CRE

Volker Fitzpatrick
04.2015 - 11.2015
  • I lead the interfaces, integration meetings and workshops for all Stakeholders such as OCR GE, Crossrail Anglia, Abellio and Bombardier.
  • This included De-confliction meetings, QSRAs, DWWP`s to establish tested site-based hold points for Go/No Go decisions.
  • I also a member of the supervisory panel for all works within Ilford Depot – engaging with Stakeholders and the client CRL.
  • My role also included IDC and Design Development meetings, Lead and facilitate Whiteboard meetings, Plan and book engineering trains for a 5-month blockade, act as Lead reviewer for all WPPs and Task briefings, collaborating with the Commercial team, compose and issue Work Package instructions and contracts, Weekend site Construction/Project Management, On-call, Inspection Test Paperwork and physical inspections, manage commercial budget(s) and Assisting in Section 61 applications.

Construction Manager and CRE (OLE)

Siemens Electrification (UK)
01.2014 - 04.2015
  • This was a very demanding project with many complex issues.
  • Site and office based my duties were to cover all works from commercial to installation.
  • I collaborated closely with designers and sub-contractors to achieve a well-developed team to fully complete the project on time and under budget.
  • Utilizing a spare breaker/feed we were able to achieve a 25kv power supply for 2 x TOC depots without disrupting the flow of the east coast mainline, this enabled a very complex, costly and time-consuming isolation to be simplified dramatically to enable both depots to stay live while the east coast mainline was de-energized for engineering works.

Construction Manager (CRE)

Balfour Beatty Rail projects
01.2012 - 12.2013
  • As Senior OLE Construction Supervisor in the F2A Alliance OLE specific works included re-wiring the new platforms, installation of new wire runs integrating old to new, de-wiring/re-wiring multiple new crossovers, creating new electrical sections and installation/ set up of all new section insulators and new isolators.
  • My role also included Managing, leading and guiding of all OLE activities on site, Ensuring Contract specification and deadlines are understood and achieved, Production of site delivery programme for immediate works and all works to completion/forward planning, Identification of critical works and interfaces with other disciplines, Ascertaining hold points for curtailing works to prevent overruns and identifying mitigations as part of the contingency plan, Inspect quality of OLE work and responsible and accountable in signing off hand back to Network Rail.
  • Lead OLE Manager at integration meetings, understanding the client’s needs and negotiating and prioritising work streams in a multimillion pound programme of works in a heavily congested area of the ECML.
  • Produce required products for NWR Delivering Works Within Possessions (DWWP) standard, Leading and managing a team of 12-30 staff at any given time – including Supervisors, Linesman, Machine Controllers and Operators.
  • Delegating works and managing day to day duties of staff and creating a positive dynamic workplace, OLE resource planning, ordering of machines, Provide onsite Technical Assistance and Coaching to OLE delivery staff, Provide Level 2 cover across possessions to co-ordinate and escalate any issues from any discipline during possessions, Collate all documentation from the weekend and provide actual v forecast information through to duty management and senior stakeholders, Management of Safety Critical Activities, provide briefings on the NWR Life Saving Rules, promoting Close Call campaigns and Safety Awareness, Approver of daily task briefs and Work Package Plans (WPPS, Liaising with design team to eliminate and elevate problem areas, Provide information, updates and solution generation with the client at Operational and Senior Management Level, Provide constructive feedback and ideas in value management and lessons learned briefings, Direct contact with the commercial team in approving and recommending sub-contracting companies into the business and Alliance.
  • This was planned with precision, delivered within a tight time scale, monitored and executed in a safe manner, compliant and to a high standard.

Construction Manager/ Wiring Engineer

Coyle Personnel (Agency)
01.2009 - 12.2012
  • Seconded to Network Rail (Client) and numerous 1st tear contractors.
  • Kings Cross, Major Projects and North London Lines.
  • Bedford Sidings Upgrade.
  • Wolverhampton Metro.

OLE Site Manager

Network rail
01.2008 - 12.2008
  • Major Projects.

Construction Manager (OLE)

Carillion Rail Projects
03.2005 - 01.2008
  • ECML Upgrade Renewals.

OLE Agency Contractor

01.1994 - 01.2005
  • Site Management/ Field Engineer/ Grade C Supervisor, Trainee Linesman.

Education

High School Diploma -

High School
Peterborough, United Kingdom
04.2001 -

Diploma - Construction Contracting Operations Management

Pro Qual
United Kingdom
04.2001 -

Skills

Customer relations

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programs401k match

Interests

Keeping Fit

Family Time

Football

Timeline

OHLE (OCS) Specialist

CAF Turnkey and Engineering
11.2024 - Current

OCS Manager/Specialist

WSP/ISR
09.2022 - 10.2024

OLHE Specialist/Consultant

Pro Rail and Infrabel
10.2021 - 08.2022

UK Business Delivery Unit Manager

SWGR
12.2020 - 10.2021

Construction Manager/OLE CRE

Red Viking Rail
10.2019 - 12.2020

Project Manager/OLE CRE

Hochtief
10.2019 - 12.2020

Construction Manager/OLE CRE

TES2000
10.2019 - 12.2020

OLE Consultant/ Construction CRE

TES 2000
10.2019 - 12.2020

OLE Construction CRE

BCM
10.2019 - 12.2020

Project Manager

Network Rail
05.2018 - 10.2019

Project Manager and OLE CRE

Electren & TRAC Engineering
12.2015 - 05.2018

Project Manager and Construction CRE

Volker Fitzpatrick
04.2015 - 11.2015

Construction Manager and CRE (OLE)

Siemens Electrification (UK)
01.2014 - 04.2015

Construction Manager (CRE)

Balfour Beatty Rail projects
01.2012 - 12.2013

Construction Manager/ Wiring Engineer

Coyle Personnel (Agency)
01.2009 - 12.2012

OLE Site Manager

Network rail
01.2008 - 12.2008

Construction Manager (OLE)

Carillion Rail Projects
03.2005 - 01.2008

High School Diploma -

High School
04.2001 -

Diploma - Construction Contracting Operations Management

Pro Qual
04.2001 -

OLE Agency Contractor

01.1994 - 01.2005

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Paul JamesElectrification Specialist/OHLE Project Manager