Head of Production

Are you passionate about the future of rail transport? Do you want to be part of a team that's shaping the next generation of trains using cutting-edge technology? Look no further! Join us as a Head of Production. Our current depot locations are in Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leicester, Newcastle and Norwich offering a wide scope of opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in the UK Rail Industry. The successful candidate will be based at Leicester.

Who we are:

SRSUK is a proud subsidiary of Stadler Rail AG Switzerland. At SRSUK we take pride in delivering high-class services for our modern trains across the UK. Our established presence in passenger rail, combined with our expanding expertise in freight rail, positions us as a leading service supplier in the UK rail industry. We are dedicated to continuous growth and technical innovation, in line with our ambitious business strategy.

Why Join Us:

• Innovative Environment: Working in a fast paced, results orientated environment, you will proactively work alongside your team to ensure services are available.
• Growth and Development: You will be part of a dynamic company committed to the development of our people, offering opportunities for learning and career development.
• Passionate Team: You will manage a dedicated team working diligently to deliver and provide an essential service successfully collaborating with key stakeholders.
• Customer-Centric Approach: You will work effectively to ensure the needs and expectations of our service users are supplied with the highest standards of service.

What We're Looking For:

We're seeking proactive individuals who align with our company KPI's and values. If you are looking to make a difference and deliver high quality service then we want to hear from you.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT Role Overview

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of fleet production and maintenance activities on a 24/7 basis. Leading production teams and working closely with customers and internal stakeholders, the role focuses on maximising fleet availability, reliability and train presentation while embedding a strong safety culture, delivering contractual KPIs, developing high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement across all operational and engineering activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire the Production team to deliver safe, reliable and efficient fleet operations that meet contractual performance and availability targets.
• Drive a strong safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with quality, environmental and operational standards.
• Manage day-to-day production activities to maximise fleet reliability, availability and train presentation.
• Build, develop and coach high-performing teams through effective leadership, performance management and succession planning.
• Act as the key customer and stakeholder interface for production performance, service delivery and warranty matters.
• Monitor and improve operational performance through KPI management, reporting, root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, optimise maintenance activities and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead investigations into safety, quality and performance issues, ensuring timely resolution and sustainable improvements.
• Foster effective collaboration across operational, engineering and performance teams to achieve business objectives.
• Provide leadership support to the wider site, including deputising for the Head of Location when required and participating in on-call arrangements.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE Experience

• Significant experience within rolling stock maintenance, fleet operations or a large engineering environment.
• Proven track record of leading and developing teams, with at least five years' people management experience.
• Experience managing production, maintenance or operational activities within a transport, rail or engineering setting.
• Strong background in stakeholder engagement, customer management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience driving operational performance through KPI management, continuous improvement and root cause investigations.
• Demonstrable experience identifying, assessing and mitigating operational and safety risks.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities, particularly in fast-paced operational environments.
• Sound understanding of fleet maintenance, production processes and through-life support principles.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, quality and risk management practices.
• Ability to analyse complex technical information and translate this into effective operational actions.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, 5S and other modern production improvement methodologies.
• Competent IT user with good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering, technical or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Technical and managerial qualification(s) or demonstrable experience operating at a comparable level within a production, engineering or rail environment.

YOUR BENEFITS YOUR CONTACT PERSON

Amelia Hall

Business Support Coordinator