Simone Elmes-Rudge

· As a Train Operations Controller, I manage the day-to-day real time running of trains, reacting and performing as required to ensure that the customer is satisfied.

· Liaise on a daily basis with customers and account managers from various companies and network rail, in order to provide a time efficient and cost-effective service across the network.

· Responsible for ensuring crews are in position and advised in good time of any changes.

· Where required submit VSTPs and if the customer requires any alterations to pre-submitted train paths, action as required.

· Consist all movements in TRUST as well as input any maintenance / exams for locos and wagons.

· Book hotels and taxis when required for train crew.

· Fatigue and risk management maintained on an individual basis.

· Record and investigate delays both from starting point and during running.

· Liaise with other TOC/FOC controls and NR Zone Controls.

· In the event of safety of the line incidents, mobilise and liaise with on-call and request the services of for-cause screening suppliers if required.

· Responsible for producing efficient, fatigue compliant and safe rosters for all staff.

· Managing and coordinating crews which include Drivers, Ground Staff and Engineering staff, to provide full coverage for customers and trains.

· Coverage of late notice sickness and vacancies effectively to continue the service customers expect.

· Acceptance of all orders submitted by Cappagh group, Rory Holbrook, Heidelberg and Pilkington customer groups as well as any additional ad-hoc work which may be required.

· Submission of required STPs and VSTPs on a weekly and daily basis.

· Working closely with stakeholders such as customers and Network Rail as well as holding group Cappagh,to establish a smooth and productive relationship.

· Working with strict budgetary limits to minimise wastage and promote efficiencies. Responsible for reducing expenditure on hotel bookings and negotiating with companies and suppliers using KPIs to monitor spending and trends.

· Creating and delivering a route learning project to ensure total coverage of routes which in turn provides continued service to the customer.

· Identifying areas of inefficiencies and working with senior management to find and implement solutions.

· Assisting control and service delivery managers at short notice with disruption and out of course situations to provide swift resolution and support to the team.

· Maintenance of company vans and organising services and MOTs as required to ensure the staff are fully safe and compliant at all times.

· Compilation of all monitorable information related to the business in the form of KPIs which is distributed to senior management and customers.

· Ensuring all communication to customers, crews and managers is clear, concise, professional and understood at all times as well as prompt and relevant.

· Safety critical for both control work and Caroline Inspection saloon, as well as holding relevant PTS for yard access.

· On a day-to-day basis was responsible for safe, efficient and prompt running of IM contract for Loram and Colas. This included 24 hr. coverage and lone working.

· Submission of STPs and VSTPs using ATUNE and liaising with Network Rail to create a smooth work flow.

· Use of TRUST and TOPS to consist locos and monitor trains

· Work closely with the maintenance and shunting team to deliver high quality and excellent service to the customer.

· Monitor booking on and off of staff whilst maintaining fatigue and depot coverage.

· Working closely with all elements of the business such as rail operations and safety assurance, to deliver on customer expectations and requirements.

· Booking taxis and hotels when required for train crew and managers.

· Ensuring communication is key throughout and disseminate information such as ESRs, safety of the line issues or on the day issues are without fail issued to all relevant staff and customers promptly.

· Compiling relevant reports and KPIs for various teams within the business as required and to a high standard.

• Maintained accurate records of train schedules and service updates to ensure operational efficiency.
• Coordinated communication between train crews and control center to facilitate timely departures and arrivals.
• Implemented safety protocols and emergency procedures to safeguard passengers and staff during operations.
• Monitored real-time train movements using advanced tracking systems to optimise service delivery.· As a Train Service Controller in the control center, I managed the day-to-day real time running of trains, reacting and performing as required to ensure that the customer was satisfied
• · Liaised on a daily basis with customers and account manager from various companies and network rail, in order to provide a time efficient and cost-effective service across the network
• · Was responsible for ensuring crews were in position and advised in good time of any changes
• · Where required submitted VSTPs and if the customer required any alterations to pre-submitted train paths, action as required
• · Booked hotels and taxis when required for train crew
• · Fatigue and risk management was maintained on an individual basis, and if any breaches occurred then measures were taken to mitigate it and ensure the wellbeing of staff was maintained
• · Recording and investigating delays both from starting point and during running
• · Liaised with other TOC/FOC controls, NR Zone Controls and responded to and actioned requests for route conductors, loads examiners etc.
• · Compiled and sent performance reports to customers and senior management team as well as a comprehensive incident log which was updated throughout the shift.
• · Managed disruption and chaired meetings to co-ordinate service recovery.
• · Used Crewplan systems to roster crews to cover immediate vacancies such as sickness and incidents, as well as looked ahead to ensure that there was a fully crewed service for the following day and week ahead.
• · In the event of safety of the line incidents, mobilised and liaised with on-call and requested the services of for-cause screening suppliers
• Managed and implemented medication checks for safety critical staff.

• Responsible for ensuring full coverage of all trains, flows of work and diagrams across Scotland. This covered crews based at Inverness through to Carlisle and included Polmadie, Motherwell, Helensburgh, Fort William and Edinburgh Craigentinny
• Responsible for the crewing of extra work and requested bids as well as the regular flows of work which range from the Royal Scotsman trains, Caledonian sleeper services and Network Rail SCO possessions. This was achieved within a strict budget whilst working within union and company agreed terms and conditions
• ·Responsible for looking at reducing costs such as lodging and hire cars, and looking for cost effective diagram alternatives to prevent negative impact to the agreed budgets
• · Communication was a vital part of the role, and building positive relationships with drivers, managers and other stakeholders was essential.

• Senior Conductor at Lincoln in 1998, and progressed in the role to become a Senior Conductor mentor at Nottingham and Derby in 2007.
• General Purpose Relief Duty Train Crew Manager for Nottingham and Derby 2008 - 2009.
• Duty Resource Centre Manager Derby 2009 - 2019.
• Secondment as a Train Service Manager, responsible for Senior Conductors, Train Managers and Customer Hosts at both Nottingham and Norwich 2012-2013.
• Secondment as a Projects Manager supporting the Lead Operations Manager at Nottingham 2015-2016.
• Returned to Senior Conductor role 2019-2020 due to home schooling commitments.

Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of store environment.

Led team in delivering exceptional customer service to enhance shopping · Responsible for the day-to day running of the shop which included ordering, inventories, cash handling, Health and Safety, as well as interviewing and training new employees and leading a small team of staff.

Responsible for self- training and development and as such achieved a qualification in Wines and Spirits equivalent to NVQ level 2.

Introduced inventory management procedures to optimise stock levels and reduce waste.

Trained and developed staff members to improve performance and foster a positive work culture.

Led team in development and implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

Coordinated cross-departmental communication to ensure alignment on project goals and deadlines.

Oversaw performance management processes including goal setting and employee development plans.

Implemented training programmes to foster staff skills and improve overall team performance.· Promoted through the ranks from Crew Member, to Training Squad, to Shift Manager and eventually 2nd Assistant Manager

· Responsible for rostering, inventories, Health and Safety and cash handling, as well as handling discipline issues and maintenance of training standards

· Assisted in the opening of several stores across Ireland and England.

This entailed setting up training systems which could be used to train new intakes of staff to the required standards.