The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Rail Manager of the Year

Paula Hooper

Said the following about Andrew Wozencraft:

“Andrew is an inspirational manager who commands great respect across the industry. He is currently leading a large team to deliver an industry, and national, first - taking over infrastructure management from Network Rail. Working with Welsh Government, Amey teams and Network Rail, he manages to lead the team in a calm, open and honest manner, still making time for those who need his support and advice. No-one in the team is unimportant – and Andrew goes the extra mile to ensure this is so.

As part of the KeolisAmey 15-year contract to run the Welsh Rail Network on behalf of Transport for Wales, Andrew leads the Infrastructure team who will be taking over management of the core valley lines – the new Metro area for Cardiff and the Valleys. From the date of transfer, daily infrastructure management will be carried out alongside a 5-year £738 million transformation project, making this a challenging and complex project.

Despite the demands on his time, Andrew is always available to his team, and despite the pressures of the role, manages to keep a calm, approachable manner, whether speaking with the client, stakeholders, team members, or others within the industry. His open and pragmatic style helps to empower those within his team to make the best decisions within a pressurised and time-deficient mobilisation period.

In terms of equality, I would say Andrew’s team is the most inclusive I have worked in; you are included whether you work in an administration role, are a senior manager, a contractor, full, or part-time.“

David Hobbs

Said the following about Andrew Wozencraft:

“Andrew is a vastly experienced Rail Manager, known, respected and very well liked throughout the entire rail industry. A former British Rail Apprentice (circa 1900s), who went on to manage maintenance for Network Rail in South Wales, prior to working for Amey. Since joining us he worked in London on Tubelines, was the account director for Amey's Signalling projects division and is currently the Infrastructure Management Director for Amey Keolis on the Wales and Borders Franchise. He worked tirelessly during the bid process to win the franchise and now appears to work non-stop as we are heading towards infrastructure asset transfer. This will see Amey not only operate and maintain the trains across the entire Wales and Borders franchise, but also maintain the railway infrastructure on the core valley lines in South Wales too. This will be the first time that an entire section of railway will be totally integrated since the privatisation of British Rail. There is no doubt that all eyes will be on this franchise across Britain and maybe we will go on to grow and bring in the rest of the network within Wales. At this very stressful and busy time Andrew is like a swan, working like mad underneath, but smooth and calm on the service. The calming influence this has on the team could only be achieved by him. He is a fine gentleman that is always approachable and has time for the team. Nobody is more worthy of this award that Andrew.“

Mark Bushnell

Said the following about Andrew Wozencraft:

“Having worked with Andrew over a number of years I have always found him to be hard working and loyal. A good manager who will make time for you and help and give advise where and when necessary.“

David Millard

Said the following about Andrew Wozencraft:

“I have recently joined Amey but have had the opportunity to work closely with Andrew over the last 6 months.  

Andrew has all the hallmarks of a great manager; he does not shirk or shy away from taking responsibility, has a remarkable ability to remain calm when facing challenge, is always approachable and finds time to work through problems and concerns with his team – and he shows genuine appreciation.  

As a result Andrew has galvanised a team around him that is willing to go the extra mile – for the project, and for Andrew. “