Heavy Maintenance Manager (Rail Rolling Stock)

At Arriva TrainCare, we provide high-quality overhaul, maintenance and servicing solutions for passenger rolling stock, locomotives, freight wagons and track plant. Operating from six strategic locations across the UK, we play a vital role in supporting safe, reliable and efficient rail operations.

As part of Arriva, you'll join a business driven by three core behaviours:

• We do the right thing
• We make the difference

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus standard UK bank holidays)
• pension
• life and healthcare cover
• Arriva UK Trains Travel Pass
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Arriva Village retailer discount scheme

The Role

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Heavy Maintenance Manager to join our team based in Crewe.

Reporting to the Heavy Maintenance Delivery Manager, you will be responsible for the successful mobilisation, delivery and commercial performance of heavy maintenance projects, including classified repairs, overhauls and refurbishment programmes. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage customer relationships and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

This is a key leadership role that combines operational delivery, people management, project oversight and customer engagement. There will also be opportunities to support projects and business activities across other Arriva TrainCare locations.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Operational Management

• Lead the mobilisation and delivery of heavy maintenance projects from planning through to completion.
• Ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with customer, technical and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain safe systems of work in line with company, customer and legislative standards.
• Monitor project performance against agreed deliverables, budgets and timelines.
• Develop and maintain project resource plans, risk registers, work breakdown structures and material requirements.
• Ensure excellent housekeeping standards are maintained across all work areas.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of Lean principles and best practice methodologies.

Leadership & People Management

• Recruit, develop and lead high-performing teams, including Project Managers, Engineers and Planners.
• Provide effective coaching, support and performance management to direct reports.
• Conduct Performance Development Reviews and identify development opportunities across the team.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and safety-focused working environment.
• Support succession planning and talent development activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Lead contract review meetings and act as a primary point of contact for customer interfaces.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and ensure customer expectations are consistently met.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, maximise revenues and support future business growth.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful project outcomes.

Business & Commercial Support

• Support business development and bid activities for new maintenance opportunities.
• Provide regular management information and KPI reporting on project performance.
• Contribute to the development of systems, processes and reporting mechanisms that improve operational control and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures and management systems.

What You'll Bring

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification such as BTEC, City & Guilds or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Professional membership of an engineering institution such as IMechE or IET would be advantageous.
• Formal Project Management qualification or experience is desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience within heavy rail maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment or rolling stock engineering environments.
• Proven experience managing engineering projects and delivering operational performance.
• Experience leading and developing teams within a safety-critical environment.
• Strong understanding of rail industry standards and stakeholder relationships, including customer and supplier engagement.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer, operational and business requirements.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with SAP experience advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple priorities.

Why Join Arriva TrainCare?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in delivering major rail engineering projects within one of the UK's most respected rolling stock maintenance organisations.

You'll have the opportunity to influence operational performance, develop talented teams and contribute to the future growth of Arriva TrainCare while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

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