At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering solutions to enhance train safety and performance.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a key player in the rail industry.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on passenger experience and fleet reliability.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and railway engineering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 51705 - 63195 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham / Hybrid
Closing date: 29th September 2026
Shape the future of fleet engineering at CrossCountry. Are you an experienced railway engineer ready to take on a role where your expertise can make a real difference to safety, reliability and passenger experience? We’re looking for a Technical Services Manager to join CrossCountry and play a key role in the engineering management of our fleet. This is an opportunity to provide technical leadership, influence engineering solutions and work collaboratively across the rail industry to keep our trains safe, reliable and performing at their best.
As Technical Services Manager, you’ll support the Head of Fleet and Engineering in delivering the obligations of the CrossCountry Safety Case, acting as the Professional Head of Engineering. You’ll provide expert technical advice, detailed reporting and effective project management, helping us maintain and continually improve the safety and performance of our services.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll lead our Technical Services team, working closely with our Train Service Provider and industry partners to deliver effective engineering solutions, with operational safety and performance at the heart of everything you do.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing professional engineering leadership and technical advice in support of the Safety Case.
- Leading assurance and compliance activities to ensure engineering standards and obligations are met.
- Managing performance and reliability analysis, using insight to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Leading and developing the Technical Services team, including line management responsibilities.
- Monitoring, investigating and concluding the engineering aspects of safety-related incidents involving trains or infrastructure.
- Supporting the Head of Fleet – Engineering in improving operational safety, particularly around infrastructure engineering integrity and train/infrastructure interfaces.
- Building proactive relationships with infrastructure providers to manage and optimise engineering interfaces between the train and infrastructure, including the use of track- and train-based monitoring.
- Managing engineering relationships with train leasing companies and maintainers, working collaboratively to develop and implement solutions that improve train safety and performance.
- Supporting projects and initiatives that contribute to improved fleet reliability, safety and operational performance.
- Participating in the Fleet On Call rota.
This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll need to build strong relationships across CrossCountry and with external stakeholders, while being confident enough to provide clear technical challenge and expert advice when it matters.
What you’ll bring
- We’re looking for a technically accomplished railway professional who can combine strong engineering expertise with leadership, communication and sound judgement.
- You’ll need:
- Professional qualifications in a relevant engineering discipline, including Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- Previous experience working in an engineering role within the railway industry.
- Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to interpret complex engineering information and turn it into clear, practical recommendations.
- Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- The confidence to lead, influence and make informed engineering decisions in a safety-critical environment.
Why CrossCountry?
At CrossCountry, you’ll be part of a team that plays an important role in connecting communities across the country. Your expertise will contribute directly to the safe, reliable and effective operation of our fleet — helping us deliver a better experience for our passengers.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong — a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and the passengers we support every day. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, including women, people from ethnic minority / global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ colleagues and those with caring responsibilities. We believe inclusion drives innovation, and we’re proud to be building a culture where everyone can thrive, contribute and reach their full potential.
Ready to make a difference?
If you’re a Chartered Engineer with railway experience and you’re looking for your next opportunity to lead, influence and make a genuine impact on fleet safety and performance, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by 29th September 2026.
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Technical Services Manager employer: arriva
Arriva Group is an outstanding employer that prioritises the development and well-being of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where safety, compliance, and customer service are paramount. As a Coach Operations Supervisor at our Bangor depot, you'll enjoy opportunities for career advancement while working in a dynamic environment that values teamwork and operational excellence. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on delivering a reliable service, Arriva provides a fulfilling workplace for those passionate about passenger transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Services Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Technical Services Manager role you’re after at arriva.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at arriva a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at arriva.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Technical Services Manager at arriva, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Services Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at arriva a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to arriva specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at arriva
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with arriva, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like arriva want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
