Area Rail Depot Manager

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

About The Role:

Reports To: Head of Operations Manager

Working Hours: Nights (typically between 21:00-06:00)

Location: Multiple rail depots within assigned area

Role Purpose

To lead and manage night-time cleaning operations across multiple rail depots, ensuring trains are cleaned safely, efficiently, and to contractually required standards. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality service, maintaining compliance, managing staffing levels, and supporting operational improvements across all depots within the area.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Oversee the delivery of all night cleaning activities across assigned depots, ensuring performance meets service level agreements (SLAs) and industry standards.
• Coordinate cleaning schedules to support train service plans, depot movements, and operational constraints.
• Ensure correct allocation of staff and resources each night to meet operational demand.
• Monitor real-time performance and resolve issues such as late train arrivals, resource shortages, or equipment failures.

People Management

• Lead, motivate, and support Team Leaders, Supervisors, and Cleaning Operatives across all night shifts.
• Manage staff rotas, sickness, absences, and holiday planning to ensure adequate coverage.
• Conduct briefings, toolbox talks, and regular performance reviews.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff training.

Quality & Safety Compliance

• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in line with health & safety legislation, depot rules, and rail industry standards.
• Conduct regular safety checks, audits, and inspections of cleaning quality.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and service failures, implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records for audits and reporting requirements.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to processes, equipment usage, and workflow.
• Support the introduction of new cleaning technologies, chemicals, and methods.
• Work closely with depot management, fleet teams, and the client to resolve operational challenges.

Reporting & Administration

• Produce nightly and weekly performance reports covering attendance, SLA compliance, quality scores, and incidents.
• Manage stock levels of cleaning materials, equipment, and consumables across depots.
• Ensure accurate completion of timesheets, payroll information, and HR documentation.

Key Skills & Experience Essential

• Experience managing teams in cleaning, facilities management, transport, or similar operational environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage several depots simultaneously.
• Good understanding of health & safety, RAMS, COSHH, and risk management.
• Strong organisational and problem solving skills.

Desirable

• Experience working in a rail depot or transport environment.
• Knowledge of rail industry cleaning standards (e.g., interior, CET, turnaround cleans).
• IOSH or similar health & safety qualification.
• Full driving licence and ability to travel between depots.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Customer & Stakeholder Focus
• Operational Delivery
• Safety Focus
• Adaptability & Decision Making

How to Apply:

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.