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Rail News

6th November 2024. Volume 11, Issue 1

2 days ago by Rail Personnel

Dear Readers

​We are pleased to be supporting AusRAIL 2024, taking place from 25-27 November at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Join over 3,000 rail professionals on the vibrant Gold Coast to share insights, advancements, and innovations in rail. AusRAIL’s comprehensive program will cover the big issues facing our industry, including promoting greater use of rail, addressing the skills gap, improving sustainability performance, creating an exceptional customer experience and much more.

Reasons to Attend

Gain exclusive access to in-depth industry insights - With over 100 international and local keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and a record 13 concurrent sessions covering 20+ specialised topics, AusRAIL 2024 ensures there is something for everyone

Connect with industry partners and leaders - Meet leaders and colleagues in the largest AusRAIL exhibition ever, and attend exclusive social events to broaden your sector networks, including the TRACKSAFE Charity Golf Day, the Women in Rail Breakfast, the Yellow Dinner and the inaugural Sunset Soirée

Flexible registration rates for you and the team – There are a range of registration options available to help plan your AusRAIL experience. Book as an individual, or take advantage of group discounts and bring the team.

With three action-packed days, and over 3,000 rail industry professionals under one roof, this event is not to be missed.

For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://ausrail.com/

We have 3x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In Malaysia, we are looking for a Deputy Project Manager (Rolling Stock) and in Taiwan, we are looking for a Commercial Project Manager with semiconductor experience. In Sydney, Australia, we are looking for a Commercial Operations Manager.

​Best Regards

Rail Personnel

Rail News

4 November 2024. United Kingdom. Network Rail successfully completes four major projects across Kent, East Sussex and South London as part of October half term engineering work

After four years of preparation work, a new signalling system was brought into use in the Tulse Hill, Peckham Rye and Crystal Palace areas of south London to improve reliability for Southern, Thameslink and London Overground passengers. The new signalling system replaces the old equipment which had controlled the movement of trains in the areas since the early 1980s. Engineers installed 23 km of new signalling, power supply, and telecoms cables, 61 new signals, upgraded power supplies and removed the old system for recycling.

Source: Rail UK

4 November 2024. Australia. Excavation begins on Sydney Metro West station

Roadheader machines have begun carving out the new Pyrmont Metro Station as part of the Sydney Metro West project. Two roadheaders are currently working at the station’s eastern end, with a third expected to arrive later this month. These 117-tonne machines have already carved more than 90m into the future station cavern, which will eventually measure 18m high, 24m wide and 170m long. The roadheaders are expected to complete the station cavern by early 2025, paving the way for tunnel boring machines Jessie and Ruby as they build the 2.3km tunnels linking The Bays to Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

Source: Infrastructure Magazine

4 November 2024. United States. MBTA and CAF Present New Green Line Vehicle Mockup

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has presented a mockup of its future Green Line Type 10 vehicle. The model was presented at Boston City Hall Plaza on 30 October, allowing the public to experience the new design and provide feedback. The new Green Line trains are being manufactured under MBTA’s 810 million USD contract with CAF USA Inc. The scope of the contract includes 102 new Green Line vehicles, featuring advanced safety and accessibility enhancements.

Source: Railway News

4 November 2024. Europe. Hitachi Rail to Deliver Digital Signalling in Luxembourg

Hitachi Rail has signed a framework agreement with Luxembourg’s Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) to provide digital signalling systems at Bettembourg and Dudelange stations. This collaboration aims to modernise the signalling infrastructure within Luxembourg’s railway network. Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will design, plan, deliver, install, and commission interlocking systems with European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 Full Supervision and simplified trackside light signalling.

Source: Railway News

4 November 2024. Ireland. Galway light rail line could be feasible, study finds

The National Transport Authority has published a study into the feasibility of developing a light rail line in Galway. The study by AtkinsRéalis looked at the general feasibility of conventional light rail or emerging very light rail technology to help inform the production of an updated multi-modal Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. This will include recommendations for active travel, bus and rail services, roads and demand management.

Source: Railway Gazette

4 November 2024. Monaco. Monaco seeks cross-border underground metro proposals

The Ministry of Public Works, Environment & Urban Development has invited proposals to develop a large park-and-ride site in France linked to the principality by a underground express metro. The design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance contract would cover a 3 500-space car park at La Brasca near the A500 tunnel between Eze and La Turbie in France, along with the metro which would be automated if possible, with an initial capacity of 2 400 passengers/direction/h.

Source: Railway Gazette

1 November 2024. Portugal. Stadler secures €134m Lisbon Metro contract

This deal marks the second agreement between the Swiss rail manufacturer and the Portuguese capital's metro operator. Stadler has received a €134m ($145.5m) contract from Metropolitano de Lisboa to manufacture and supply 24 three-car trains. This deal marks the second agreement between the Swiss rail manufacturer and the Portuguese capital’s metro operator. The new trains, 49.6m in length, are designed to enhance passenger comfort with large windows and a spacious, well-lit interior.

Source: Railway Technology

31 October 2024. Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah Financial District monorail contract signed

Contracts have been awarded for the construction of a monorail within Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District mixed-use development. This is intended to reduce the need for private vehicles as part of the vision for a walkable ‘10 min city’. The 3·6 km elevated circular line will have six stations serving office, retail and leisure facilities in the ‘city within a city’, and easy connections to the Riyadh Metro.

Source: Railway Gazette

Job of the Week

Commercial Project Manager (CPM) Taoyuan City, Taiwan

Job ID#: 14958

Discipline: Contracts

Language: English

Job Description:

Our client is seeking a (Contract) Procurement Project Manager-(Fixed-term) Commercial Project Manager.

The Commercial Project Manager (CPM) will lead the project team, which includes,

- Procurement and Subcontract

- Cost Control

- Planning & Scheduling

- Estimating

- Document Control

- Client Contract Management.

This is a critical project position that has ownership across various commercial functions, including those stated above. The CPM will lead, plan, and develop overall commercial capabilities, as well as drive commercial review processes. In addition, it also has responsibilities towards tendering activities. As client continues to develop digitalization capabilities, this role should be a strong advocate for change and support or lead any corporate directives that need to be implemented in Taiwan. This would include actively participating in and supporting the new ERP rollout. The successful candidate will be based in Taoyuan. Organizationally, this position reports directly to the Project Manager of Procurement and Commercial Lead in the company.

Job Requirements

Work skills:

- Procurement Negotiation and bargaining Skills

- Project Cost / Quality / Risk Management

- Project time/ progress control

- Procurement Management

- Project Planning Execution / Scope management

-Project Communication / Integration Management

Other conditions:

- Minimum 10 years relevant experience working in a similar role on hi-tech projects within the semi-conductor, life science or data center sectors.

- Deep expertise in contracts both up and down stream as well as estimating.

- Strong understanding of Procurement process and Project Controls.

- Experience in the use and/or understanding of project delivery software.

- Managed multiple projects project teams concurrently.

- Degree in Engineering, Commercial Management (or similar).

- Language: Business English proficiency is a must.

- Software skill: SAP, P6, SharePoint.

- Previous work experience in Taiwan, China or Asia.

- Good organizational, operational and negotiation skills.

- Good knowledge of the industry and industry best practices.

- Commitment to safety.

- Clear communicator.

- Action orientation to meet project deadlines and work independently.

- PMI, MRICS, AACE or similar relevant profession certification.

Contact: Patricia Hsiao ( patricia@railpersonnel.com)

Commercial Operations Manager, Asia Pacific, Sydney, Australia

Job ID#: 14950

Discipline: Commercial

Language: English

Job Description:

Our client is a global railway infrastructure equipment and technology company looking for a Commercial Operations Manager—Asia Pacific to, in conjunction with the MD, Asia Pacific, be responsible for overall commercial sales and commercial operations of the company's operations in the Asia Pacific Region as defined by the Management team regional boundaries.

KEY AREAS OF ACTIVITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Leadership & Team Development:

- Lead, coach, and mentor a high-performing commercial operations team.

- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

- Promote cross-functional collaboration between sales, logistics, finance, and customer service teams.

Sales Strategy & Management:

- Develop and implement effective sales strategies to drive business growth.

- Lead and manage the sales team, setting clear goals, performance targets, and KPIs.

- Collaborate with marketing and product teams to align sales strategies with market trends and customer needs.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders.

- Develop a network of Lobbyists, Technical Consultants & Engineers throughout Asia Pacific Rail Network, including follow up, coordination, evaluation, commercial and technical support.

- Benchmark of the competing products and systems and coordinate with Group Technical Managers

Logistics & Supply Chain:

- Oversee the end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products/services.

- Optimize logistics processes to reduce costs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

- Collaborate with procurement and warehouse teams to manage inventory levels and streamline operations.

Contracts & Negotiations:

- Lead contract negotiations with key suppliers, customers, and partners, ensuring favorable terms.

- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and contractual obligations.

- Review and manage all commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk mitigation.

Job Requirements:

- University degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or Commerce from a recognised tertiary institution

- Post graduate qualification in Management from a recognised tertiary institution.

- Proven experience and success over a number of years in a similar role.

- Proven people management skills with demonstrated ability to lead a team at all levels of management and employees.

- Excellent skills in strategic planning implementation and execution of business plans to ensure the continued success of the company in the Asia Pacific region.

- Proven track record in successful business growth and ensuring concession planning.

- Ability and track record in achieving all Stakeholder expectations.

Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)

Deputy Project Manager Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Job ID#: 14943

Discipline: Rolling Stock

Language: English

Job Description:

Our client is seeking an experienced engineer for the position of Deputy Project Manager to work on their contract for Locomotive and Wagon Manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). This role is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will report to the Senior Project Manager.

The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for assisting the Senior Project Manager to manage all aspects of projects related to locomotive and wagon manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul to ensure quality and to achieve project success.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead project execution ensuring adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and contractual requirements.

- Implement strategies to mitigate project risks and address issues promptly to maintain project momentum.

- Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to project team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

- Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, meeting minutes, and correspondence.

- Ensure project documentation is organized, accessible, and archived appropriately for future reference and audit purposes.

- Identify, assess, and manage project risks to minimize potential impact on project objectives.

- Establish quality control measures and standards to ensure project deliverables meet or exceed client expectations.

- Conduct regular quality inspections and audits to verify compliance with quality requirements and standards.

- Implement corrective actions to address quality issues and prevent reoccurrence.

- Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement cost control measures to optimize project profitability.

Job Requirements:

- Degree in Electrical and Electronics/Mechanical Engineering

- Good appreciation of the constraints and interface requirements of electrical and mechanical work

- Strong project management and leadership skills with a proven track record

- Hands-on experience in trains assembly and trains remanufacturing

- Experience in providing communication & instruction for Electrical Engineer/Supervisors

- Experience in production control and coordination of electrical task to achieve the target date/hours.

- Experience managing supply chain and ensure material delivery is maintained.

- Experience in ensuring QA compliance and control.

- Good communication and presentation skills

- A team player who is analytical, resourceful and result-oriented

Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)