Advance TRS is a leading specialist rail recruitment partner, supporting organisations and professionals across the UK’s rail industry. With deep roots in rail and decades of combined sector expertise, we deliver trusted recruitment solutions that keep critical projects moving, safely, compliantly, and on time.
Keeping the UK’s Rail Network on Track with Exceptional Talent
From nationally significant infrastructure programmes to business-critical delivery roles, we provide permanent and contract recruitment across the full rail project lifecycle. Our long-standing relationships, deep market insight and compliance-led approach make us a trusted partner for both rail employers and professionals building long-term careers in the industry.
Specialist Rail Recruitment Across the Full Project Lifecycle
Rail is one of the UK’s most complex and highly regulated sectors, and it demands specialist knowledge. With extensive rail experience across our team, Advance TRS connects organisations with proven professionals across engineering, project delivery, commercial and operational disciplines.
We support clients and candidates across every stage of rail delivery, from early design and planning through to construction, commissioning, operations and maintenance.
OUR TRACK RECORD
PROUD TO SUPPORT MAJOR RAIL PROGRAMMES ACROSS THE UK & IRELAND
We are proud to have supported some of the UK and Ireland’s most high-profile rail programmes, working in partnership with principal contractors, consultancies, operators and supply-chain organisations.
Our reputation is built on:
- Long-term client partnerships
- Repeat business across major frameworks
- A track record of placing safety-critical, delivery-focused professionals
Safety on the line always
At Advance TRS, we don’t just talk about health and safety, we live it. Safety comes first in everything we do, and our policies and procedures reflect that commitment to the highest standards. We are ISO 45001 and RISQS Accredited, and a Sentinel Sponsor.
Rail Expertise, Delivered Where It Matters Most
Our specialist consultants recruit across all major rail disciplines, combining technical understanding with market insight to deliver the right people, first time.
- Signalling
- Civils & Permanent Way
- Planning & Project Controls
- Telecoms & M&E
- Project & Programme Management
- Safety, Assurance & Systems
- Digital, Cyber & Rail Systems
- E&P & OLE
Signalling
Our specialist rail signalling recruitment team works closely with clients and candidates to understand workforce needs at every stage of a project. From signalling design and installation to maintenance and operations, we recruit permanent and contract candidates.
We recruit across: Signalling Commercial Manager, Signalling TICs, Signalling Project Manager, Signalling Project Directors, Signalling Senior Project Manager, Signalling Project Engineer, Signalling Team Leader, Signalling Installation Supervisor, Signalling Design Verifier, Signalling Construction Manager, Signalling DPE, Signalling Principal Tester, Signalling Major Works TIC, Signalling Functional Tester, Signalling System Tester, Signalling CEM. Scheme Project Manager, Signalling Principal Designer, Signalling Designer
Civils & Permanent Way
Rail Civils and P-Way (Permanent Way) recruitment is critical to delivering and maintaining the UK rail network. We specialise in recruiting permanent and contract rail professionals across civils, track engineering, maintenance, renewals and enhancement programmes nationwide. Supporting both rail clients and candidates, we provide expert rail recruitment solutions that ensure projects are resourced with the right skills, at the right time.
We recruit across: Site Engineer, Section Engineer, Project Engineer, Track Engineer / P-Way Engineer, Senior Engineer, Construction Manager, Project Manager, Track Supervisor / Track Section Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Planner, Section Managers & Supervisors, Permanent Way Supervisor & Team Leaders, Site Supervisors, Permanent Way Asset Manager, Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE)
Planning & Project Controls
Rail Planning and Project Controls recruitment is essential to the successful delivery of complex rail infrastructure projects. We specialise in recruiting permanent and contract planning and project controls professionals across project controls, cost management, scheduling, risk and performance reporting, supporting rail programmes nationwide. Working with both rail clients and candidates, we provide specialist rail recruitment solutions that ensure projects are planned, controlled and delivered efficiently, safely and on time.
We recruit across: Planner, Senior Planner, Project Planner, Planning Engineer, Project Controls Engineer, Project Controls Manager, Cost Engineer, Cost Controller, Quantity Surveyor (Project Controls), Commercial Manager, Risk Manager, Risk Analyst, Earned Value (EVM) Analyst, Reporting & Performance Manager, PMO Analyst, PMO Manager, Programme Controls Manager
Telecoms & M&E
Rail Telecoms and M&E recruitment is vital to the delivery, operation and safety of modern rail infrastructure. Our specialist team recruits permanent and contract professionals across rail telecoms and mechanical & electrical disciplines, supporting projects at every stage. We work closely with clients and candidates to understand specific project and career requirements, drawing on a strong network of skilled rail professionals to deliver the right expertise quickly and effectively.
We recruit across: Telecoms Engineer, Comms Installer, Comms Engineers, Fibre Engineers, Test and Commissioning Engineers, Telecoms Supervisors, SISS installers, Commissioning Engineers, Operational Comms Engineers, Copper jointers, Fibre Jointers, Constructions Managers, Site Managers, CREs, CEMs, PICOTs, TICs, Project Engineers, Telecoms Design Engineers, Project Managers, Package Managers, SCADA Engineers, Network Engineers, M&E Engineers, Electricians, Improvers, Mates, Electrical Testers, Mechanical Fitters, Electrical Engineers, Electrical Site Managers, Electrical Supervisors, Electrical & Mechanical Design Engineers, M&E Project Engineers, HVAC Engineers, BMS Engineers, Quality & Inspections Engineers, CMS installers, MEP Project Managers, MEP Construction Managers, MEP Site Managers.
Project & Programme Management
Rail Project and Programme Management recruitment is central to the successful delivery of complex infrastructure programmes. We specialise in recruiting permanent and contract project and programme management professionals across major rail projects, enhancements, renewals and asset programmes nationwide. Working closely with rail clients and candidates, we provide specialist rail recruitment solutions that ensure leadership, governance and delivery capability are in place from mobilisation through to completion.
We recruit across:
Project Manager (Rail), Senior Project Manager, Programme Manager, Delivery Manager, Rail Programme Director, Portfolio Manager, PMO Manager, Project Controls Manager, Project Engineer (Delivery), Rail Interface Manager, Stakeholder Manager, Construction Manager (Rail), Framework Manager
Safety, Assurance & Systems
Rail Safety, Assurance and Systems recruitment is critical to the safe, compliant and effective delivery of rail infrastructure projects. We specialise in recruiting permanent and contract safety, assurance and systems professionals across engineering assurance, systems integration, verification & validation, RAMS and safety management. Supporting both rail clients and candidates, we provide specialist rail recruitment solutions that ensure projects meet regulatory, technical and operational requirements at every stage of the lifecycle.
We recruit across:
Safety Manager (Rail), HSQE Manager, Assurance Manager, Engineering Assurance Manager, Systems Engineer (Rail), Senior Systems Engineer, RAMS Engineer, Safety Engineer, Verification & Validation (V&V) Engineer, Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), Safety Case Engineer, Interface Manager, Technical Assurance Manager, Systems Integration Manager
Digital, Cyber & Rail Systems
Rail Digital, Cyber and Systems recruitment supports the delivery of smarter, safer and more connected rail networks. We specialise in recruiting permanent and contract digital, cyber and rail systems professionals across rail systems integration, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data, automation and operational technology (OT). Working with both rail clients and candidates, we provide specialist rail recruitment solutions that ensure critical systems are secure, resilient and future-ready.
We recruit across:
Rail Systems Engineer, Digital Rail Engineer, Cyber Security Engineer (Rail), OT Security Engineer, Systems Integration Engineer, Data & Analytics Engineer, Digital Transformation Manager, Software Engineer (Rail Systems), Network Engineer, Systems Architect, ETCS / Digital Systems Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Asset Systems Engineer, Digital Designer, Digital Development Manager
E&P & OLE
Electrification, Plant and Overhead Line (OLE) recruitment is critical to the delivery, reliability and safety of modern rail infrastructure. Our specialist team recruits both permanent and contract professionals across E&P disciplines, supporting projects from design and installation through to commissioning and maintenance. We work closely with clients and candidates to understand specific project and career requirements, leveraging a strong network of experienced rail engineers and specialists to provide the right expertise quickly and effectively.
We recruit across:E&P Engineers, CRE (E&P), CRE (OLE), E&P Design Engineer, OLE Design Engineer, OLE Engineer, Project Manager, E&P Supervisor, OLE Supervisors.
The Challenges We Solve
Rail projects operate under intense pressure, from skills shortages and compliance demands to immovable delivery milestones. We help clients overcome these challenges through a consultative, sector-led recruitment approach.
- Skills Shortages – Access to a deep network of rail-experienced professionals
- Time‑Critical Delivery – Rapid mobilisation of compliant contract and permanent talent
- Safety & Compliance – RISQS, Sentinel sponsorship, ISO and sector‑led processes
- Complex Programmes: Expertise spanning the full rail project lifecycle
We are an award-winning specialist recruiter, delivering technical talent to critical infrastructure projects across the UK.
Meet Our Rail Team
Our rail team is made up of dedicated consultants who understand the technical, commercial and safety demands of the sector. Many have worked exclusively in rail for years, building trusted relationships across the industry. When you work with Advance TRS, you deal with specialists.
Sam Mayo
Head of Telecoms and M&E | Rail
Chris Spurdle
Group Business Development Manager | Rail | Engineering | Civil Engineering
Karen Upton
Lead Delivery Manager | Rail
Sam Jennings
Director | Rail & Infrastructure
