Derek O'Reilly

Working within the rail industry for the past 23 years, starting as infrastructure assistant and now as Engineering Supervisor and Safety Critical Worker, I have extensive experience in plain line, switches and crossings, large plant, OLE and civils, with demonstrable ability to manage teams and deliver complex works to time, while under pressure. I am a natural and confident communicator with an in-depth understanding of the railway and its associated industries. An assured, diligent, and dedicated individual who applies the same high level of commitment to each role and task I undertake, while I have what it takes to get the job done.

Engineering Supervisor/Safety Critical - SPL Powerlines

(2024-03)

As a senior member of the on-site team, responsible for overseeing all site briefings and ensuring Health and Safety on-site is the foremost priority. Dedicated to enforcing and reinforcing safety protocols, roles, and responsibilities within teams, in strict adherence to company guidelines and industry regulations. Committed to maintaining a culture of safety through proactive leadership and continuous monitoring of safety practices.

• Staff Management – Management and coordination of machine controllers, crane operators, and other operational staff to ensure that work is completed efficiently and safely.
• Site Safety – Enforcing and reinforcing safety protocols, roles, and responsibilities within teams, in strict adherence to company guidelines and industry regulations.
• Geofencing – Utilising geofencing technology across SPL Powerlines worksites to set up virtual perimeters, monitor and manage access to specific areas, ensuring staff and equipment remain within designated zones. Geofencing enhances site safety, improves operational control, and helps maintain compliance with restricted access areas during project execution.

Supervisor (SWL) - Babcock Rail

(2021-01 - 2024-02)

Working primarily from the office, responsible for the comprehensive planning, management and delivery of individual projects from start to finish. This included site visits, risk assessments, team communications, organising shift patterns, ordering tools, materials and large plant, liaising with customer (Network Rail), on-site preparation for core works and hand-back ready after completion. Gained extensive experience on OTP, moving engineering trains, and overall responsibility of individual management of work-sites.

Plant Operations Scheme Representative - Babcock Rail

(2013-10 - 2021-01)

As part of the senior staff on-site, responsible for management of all staff working on large plant. Health and Safety on-site is the most important aspect of this role. It is critical to enforce and reinforce roles and responsibilities within teams, in line with guidance and regulations. Visiting sites daily, producing information packs for large plant staffing on the ground, requiring understanding of Microsoft packages and in-depth knowledge of internal systems.

• Staff Management – Management of all staff working on large plant, including machine controllers, crane controllers and operators.
• Site Safety – Enforcing and reinforcing roles and responsibilities within teams, in line with guidance and regulations.
• Information Technology – Production and distribution of information packs requiring understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as in-depth knowledge of Babcock's internal systems such as IFS and Planit.

Sub-Ganger (Infrastructure Technician) - Babcock Rail

(2010 - 2013)

Given additional responsibility by supervisors to carry out organisational oversight duties and management of staff. With this increased responsibility came a deeper understanding of the rail industry and more acute awareness of health and safety regulations, guidance and legislation.

Infrastructure Assistant - Babcock Rail

(2003 - 2010)

Worked as part of a team, learning and understanding all practical aspects of railway construction and maintenance, including plain line, S and C, stressing works, and re-railing.

Standard Grades - Our Lady's High School, Motherwell (1994 - 1998)