Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager

Location: Widnes (Onsite)

Appointment Basis: Permanent

Salary: c. £70K + Benefits

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, more than 80 000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, and a leading signalling and rail infrastructure provider. Alstom have built, or are building, just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground and Dublin Luas. We provide the widest range of smart solutions in the rail market, from innovative high-speed rolling stock, metros and trams to maintenance, modernisation, infrastructure and signalling.

Could you be our next Senior Operations Manager in the UK we’re looking for at Alstom?

Your future role

Join Alstom UK at our Widnes facility as we deliver a key part of our UK growth strategy modernising and upgrading the nation\’s rolling stock. As Rolling Stock Modernisation Senior Operations Manager, you’ll take a hands-on leadership role in the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of production activities associated with train overhauls and modernisation.
Working as part of the Operations team and reporting to the Head of Operations, you\’ll be at the forefront of transformation within the factory. You’ll be responsible for day-to-day production execution, team leadership, resource planning, and operational safety, all whilst ensuring high performance against project and business deliverables.
Day-to-day, you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the execution of Rolling Stock Modernisation activities to meet project timelines, quality targets, cost expectations, and delivery goals (QCD: Quality, Cost, Delivery).
• Acting as a key ambassador for workplace safety, ensuring all work is delivered in a safe and effective manner, aligned with AZDP (Alstom Zero Deviation Plan) and the wider safety culture within Widnes.
• Managing, mentoring, and coordinating the Modernisation production team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative working environment.
• Accurately identifying current and future manpower and production capacity requirements, ensuring these are resourced in line with project needs.
• Overseeing operational Work Packages (WPs) and supporting DFQ (Design for Quality) processes to drive quality into daily operations.
• Taking full responsibility for the safe and efficient movement of trains on site.
• Championing the use of MES (Manufacturing Execution System) to drive operational efficiency and digital traceability.
• Ensuring compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR) in your capacity as a Senior Authorised Person for electrical activities related to modernisation.
• Leading recruitment, training, and induction for operational and project-based staff.
• Managing the competency assessment and maintenance process for all shop floor personnel.
• Providing clear communication and regular updates to key internal and external project stakeholders.
• Leading and supporting continuous improvement activities within Modernisation to meet APSYS (Alstom Performance System) standards across the shop floor.

All about you

We value passion and attitude over experience. That’s why we don’t expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we’ve listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role:

• A qualification at HNC (Higher National Certificate), Degree level, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Proven experience in managing production teams within a technical or factory-based environment.
• Strong bias towards Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) practices and leadership.
• Proficiency in SAP (or similar ERP systems) and strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate across multiple workstreams.
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder management abilities within a matrix organisation.
• The ability to manage conflict constructively and maintain team spirit under pressure.
• A solid understanding of operational planning, production control, and quality processes.

Desirable qualities:

• Previous experience with train movements and depot/site operations.
• Already certified or able to qualify as a Senior Authorised Person under EAWR.
• Work Package management experience with financial awareness.
• Familiarity with the railway industry, including product and system interfaces.

Things you’ll enjoy

Join us on a life-long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career.

You’ll also:

• Enjoy stability, challenges and a long-term career free from boring daily routines
• Work with award winning rolling stock
• Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues
• Contribute to innovative projects
• Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries
• Benefit from our investment in your development, through award-winning learning
• Become part of succession planning
• Benefit from a fair and dynamic reward package that recognises your performance and potential, plus comprehensive and competitive social coverage (life, medical, pension)

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Equal opportunity statement:

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law.

As a “disability confident leader accredited employer”, we will interview all disabled job applicants who match the essential criteria of the job description or specification. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

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