Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Paul Symons

Northolt,Ealing

Summary

Expert in railway safety and security operations with a proven track record in launching new railway initiatives. Extensive experience in both surface and subsurface railway operations at national and international levels. Demonstrated leadership in building cohesive teams to effectively solve problems and implement safety measures. Skilled in operational integration, performance measurement, and compliance with key performance indicators.

Offering strong leadership and problem-solving skills with background in team management and project coordination. Knowledgeable about streamlining processes, improving operational efficiency, and fostering positive team environments. Ready to use and develop skills in strategic planning, communication, and resource management.

Resourceful Operations Manager with knack for streamlining processes and improving team performance. Spearheaded multiple initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs across departments. Known for fostering collaborative work environments and driving continuous improvement.

Overview

47
47
years of professional experience

Work history

Senior Airside Operations Manager

Heathrow
London, London
06.2025 - Current
  • Improved workforce competency levels.
  • Encouraged innovative thinking in teams, fostered environment of growth and development.
  • Led teams to achieve business objectives on time and within budget constraints.
  • Analysed performance metrics, identified areas for improvement in operations management.
  • Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing strategic plans.
  • Directed safety protocols implementation, created safer workplace conditions.
  • Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
  • Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
  • Devised operational policies for regulatory compliance and best practices adherence.
  • Optimised workflow procedures with strategic planning and team coordination.
  • Developed risk mitigation strategies, ensured business continuity during crises.
  • Applied lean principles to operations management, reduced waste significantly.

Security Expert Counter Drone surveillance

Operational Solutions Limited
Reading, West Berkshire
03.2025 - 06.2025

Delivered adaptive security solutions to safeguard high-value areas globally.

Integrated innovative technologies to manage aerial and ground threats.

Assessed CCTV footage for early detection of suspicious activities.

Established robust incident reporting processes, enhancing record accuracy and resolution speed.

Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to expedite response times.

  • Collaborated with management to develop organised crisis response plan, minimising downtime during emergencies.
  • Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to improve response times.
  • Established robust incident reporting process leading to more accurate records and quicker resolution times.
  • Streamlined emergency procedures, resulted in faster evacuation times during drills.
  • Developed comprehensive security protocols for enhanced workplace safety.
  • Addressed all security breaches promptly, minimising potential damage and loss.
  • Conducted detailed risk assessments, mitigated potential threats.

Senior ASSESSOR

AssessTech
London, lONDON
12.2022 - 08.2023

Assessed safety-critical status of MTREL Elizabeth line as a senior team member.

Evaluated effectiveness of training delivered to learners.

Measured knowledge transfer by assessing learner performance against qualification standards.

  • Coordinated with other departments for seamless operations.
  • Boosted efficiency by streamlining assessment procedures.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations through continuous learning.
  • Reviewed and updated assessment guidelines to maintain standards.
  • Provided expert advice to junior assessors for skill enhancement.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the department.

Sales and customer service representative

Honda
Ruislip, Hillingdon
02.2024 - 08.2024

Contributed to sales team, specialising in new and used cars for leading manufacturer.

Facilitated customer engagement to drive vehicle sales and enhance customer satisfaction.

  • Left position to provide care for mother following brother's passing from cancer.

Interim Head of Customer Service

Camco
Riyadh, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia
06.2019 - 12.2022

Contributed to establishment of Riyadh Metro System, supporting senior management in operational roles.

Led assessment and scoping of work packages, ensuring safety and technical standards were met.

Managed individual work packages, adhering to safety, programme, and financial targets.

Delivered four key infrastructure projects on time and within budget.

Oversaw planning and programming of works while maintaining operational railway continuity.

Developed customer care teams for 45 stations across two lines of Riyadh Metro.

Authored all operational emergency procedures and plans for Riyadh Metro opening.

Conducted site audits, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
  • Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.

Area Stations Manager

Heathrow Express
London, London
03.2010 - 06.2019

STATIONS SERVICES MANAGER

First Capital Connect
Luton, Central Bedfordshire
03.2005 - 03.2010

Security manager

Glaxosmithkline
Stevenage, Hertfordshire
06.1992 - 03.2005

Royal Marines

H.M. Goverment
Arbroath, Angus
09.1978 - 06.1992

Education

Trainer - Training

Train-The-Trainer with TUV Rheinland Certified
Riyadh
02/2020 - 03/2020

Assessor - Assessing

Competency Assessor in General with TÜV Rheinland Certified
Riyadh
03/2020 - 03/2020

QCF and City & Guilds A1 Assessor - Railway

City & Guilds
United Kingdom
02/2012 - 02/2012

IOSH Managing Safely / Fire Safety for Managers In - Safety

IOSH
United Kingdom

Skills

  • Resilience in high-pressure situations
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Customer relationship management
  • Operational strategy
  • Performance monitoring
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Customer Service
  • Leadership skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Training and Development
  • Project Management

Languages

English
Native
Arabic
Beginner

Affiliations

Keen cyclist and swimmer, love the outdoors and staying fit, enjoy the gym. Like reading both fiction and non fiction, going to the theatre when time allows

Timeline

Senior Airside Operations Manager

Heathrow
06.2025 - Current

Security Expert Counter Drone surveillance

Operational Solutions Limited
03.2025 - 06.2025

Sales and customer service representative

Honda
02.2024 - 08.2024

Senior ASSESSOR

AssessTech
12.2022 - 08.2023

Interim Head of Customer Service

Camco
06.2019 - 12.2022

Area Stations Manager

Heathrow Express
03.2010 - 06.2019

STATIONS SERVICES MANAGER

First Capital Connect
03.2005 - 03.2010

Security manager

Glaxosmithkline
06.1992 - 03.2005

Royal Marines

H.M. Goverment
09.1978 - 06.1992

Trainer - Training

Train-The-Trainer with TUV Rheinland Certified
02/2020 - 03/2020

Assessor - Assessing

Competency Assessor in General with TÜV Rheinland Certified
03/2020 - 03/2020

QCF and City & Guilds A1 Assessor - Railway

City & Guilds
02/2012 - 02/2012

IOSH Managing Safely / Fire Safety for Managers In - Safety

IOSH
Paul Symons