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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Establish and optimise daily governance routines and drive continuous improvement

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

Key Skills & Experience – Essential

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

• Strong knowledge of safety management practices 

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

• Experience in solving operational issues through structured, practical solutions

• Strong planning, analytical, and decision-making skills

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

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

Desirable Skills & Experience

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

• Background in continuous improvement within  maintenance operations

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

Qualifications

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

• Project Management and/or Leadership Training desirable

Why Join

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

• Work with a collaborative and safety-focused team

• Opportunities for career development and further leadership training

• Highly competitive salary, benefits and career progression