Fleet Operations Manager - Rolling Stock

About the Role

Highly capable Fleet Operations Manager – to lead and manage the safe, efficient delivery of field-based maintenance contracts. This is a key safety-critical role responsible for overseeing daily operations, coordinating third-party service providers, and ensuring contractual obligations are met in line with the highest safety and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

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Lead a dedicated field services team and coordinate third-party suppliers to deliver planned and reactive maintenance

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Champion a “Safety First” culture across all operations, setting the tone and leading by example

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Act as the day-to-day interface with customers, their depot teams, service providers, and internal stakeholders

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Ensure contract obligations are met through effective deployment of staff and resources

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Manage resource planning, staff competencies, performance, and on-call coverage

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Oversee tooling and materials availability in collaboration with internal support teams and the customer

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Produce accurate and timely performance reports for both customer and internal governance

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Maintain compliance through effective management of maintenance records within the Maintenance Management System (MMS)

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Establish and optimise daily governance routines and drive continuous improvement

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Support the resolution of customer concerns and contribute to contract planning, reforecasting, and budgeting

Key Skills & Experience – Essential

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Minimum 5 years' experience managing service-based rail operations, with direct team leadership responsibility

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Strong knowledge of safety management practices

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Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

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Experience in solving operational issues through structured, practical solutions

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Strong planning, analytical, and decision-making skills

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Resilient and confident under pressure, with a proactive approach to service delivery

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Competent IT user – proficient with MS Word, Excel, and third-party maintenance management systems

Desirable Skills & Experience

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Experience with SAGE, Equinox, or other business systems/ERP solutions

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Background in continuous improvement within maintenance operations

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Experience managing third-party supply/service contracts (e.g., engine support)

Qualifications

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HNC/HND or equivalent in rail, engineering, or service operations (minimum)

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Project Management and/or Leadership Training desirable

Why Join

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Play a pivotal role in delivering first-class rail maintenance services

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Work with a collaborative and safety-focused team

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Opportunities for career development and further leadership training

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Highly competitive salary, benefits and career progression