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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to ensure safe and efficient train maintenance operations.
- Company: Join a leading rail company committed to safety and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and healthcare cover.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior leadership role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail vehicle maintenance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Average 37.5 hours per week (rotational days & nights)
Reporting to: Regional Operations Manager (South)
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Depot Manager to lead our Light Maintenance operation at our Cambridge depot. This is a key leadership role with full accountability for depot operation, people management, safety, quality, and performance delivery. You will play a critical role in ensuring trains are delivered safely, on time, and to exacting standards, while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a strong safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire, and develop depot supervisory and maintenance teams to meet production targets and customer requirements.
- Take full accountability for depot operations, safety, quality, facilities, and performance.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation, company rules, and industry standards.
- Manage depot processes in line with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and RM3 requirements.
- Prepare, manage, and control the annual depot budget and forecasts.
- Act as a senior point of contact for customers and key stakeholders.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement across safety, quality, and productivity.
- Oversee competence management, audits, and accurate operational reporting.
- Provide clear management information and KPIs for internal and external stakeholders.
- Support business development activities and input into bids for new work.
- Participate in the senior on‑call management rota.
Customer & Stakeholder Focus
- Deliver consistently high standards of service aligned with customer expectations.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, maximise revenue, and reduce costs.
People Leadership
- Recruit, develop, mentor, and coach high‑performing teams.
- Deliver effective communication through regular briefs and engagement sessions.
- Manage performance, wellbeing, employee relations, and succession planning.
- Complete performance reviews and support ongoing training and development.
- Authorise payroll and ensure accurate people‑related processes.
About You
You will be an experienced depot, operations, or maintenance leader with a strong background in rail vehicle maintenance or a similar regulated engineering environment.
Essential / Desirable Experience & Qualifications
- Experience managing rail vehicle maintenance and depot operations.
- Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Proven people management and leadership experience.
- Ability to carry out risk assessments and drive safe systems of work.
- Knowledge of ISO management systems (9001 / 14001 / 45001).
- Engineering qualification (BTEC, City & Guilds or equivalent) – desirable.
- ILM Level 3 (People Management) or similar – desirable.
- Membership of IMechE or IET – desirable.
- Full UK driving licence.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision‑making skills.
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage at all levels.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong IT capability (Microsoft 365; SAP / Maximo advantageous).
- Comfortable working flexibly, including days, nights, and on‑call.
What We Offer
- 26 days annual leave, inclusive of standard UK bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Life assurance and healthcare cover.
- Arriva UK Trains Travel Pass.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Arriva Village retailer discount scheme.
- A senior leadership role with real operational impact.
- Long‑term career development within a growing organisation.
Depot Manager in Cambridge employer: Arriva TrainCare
Contact Detail:
Arriva TrainCare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees. You never know who might give you the inside scoop on job openings or even refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! As a Depot Manager, you'll need to showcase your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Have specific examples ready that highlight your achievements and how you've tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Depot Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Depot Manager role. Highlight your experience in rail vehicle maintenance and people management, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and operational achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for the rail industry and how your background aligns with our values at StudySmarter. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of health and safety standards, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead and inspire teams. In your application, give us insights into your management style and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. This will help us see if you're the right fit for our culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva TrainCare
✨Know Your Depot Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of depot operations, especially in rail vehicle maintenance. Familiarise yourself with ISO standards like 9001, 14001, and 45001, as well as health and safety regulations. This will show that you're not just experienced but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team to meet production targets or improved safety culture. Being able to articulate your leadership style and its impact will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves maintaining strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've managed these relationships in previous roles. Highlight any strategies you've used to improve service delivery or maximise revenue, as this will demonstrate your customer-focused mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face as a Depot Manager and how you would address them. This will help you showcase your critical thinking and operational efficiency.