At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the future of rail performance and manage high-impact fleet operations.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a key player in UK rail operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous holiday, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace where your individuality is celebrated.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail engineering and influence strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in engineering or fleet operations required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Lead the Future of Rail Performance at Avanti West Coast. We’re looking for an exceptional operational leader to join our senior leadership team as Head of Fleet & Engineering. A critical role responsible for delivering safe, reliable, and high-performing fleet operations across the Avanti West Coast network. This is an opportunity to shape the future of rail engineering performance, influence strategic supplier partnerships, and lead a high-impact team at the heart of one of the UK’s most important rail operations.
The Role
As Head of Fleet & Engineering, you will lead the strategy, performance, and delivery of our rolling stock operations ensuring our fleets operate safely, efficiently, cleanly, and reliably for customers every day. You’ll oversee major engineering and supplier relationships, drive operational excellence, and ensure value is maximised across fleet contracts exceeding £350 million annually.
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
- Leading the Fleet & Engineering function across the Avanti West Coast network
- Driving fleet reliability, punctuality, and operational performance
- Managing strategic partnerships with providers including Alstom and Hitachi
- Overseeing relationships with rolling stock leasing partners including Angel Trains and Rock Rail
- Ensuring strong commercial governance across high-value fleet contracts
- Collaborating closely with Operations Control to minimise disruption and maintain the highest safety standards
- Leading, coaching, and developing a high-performing engineering and fleet team
- Supporting budget management and identifying opportunities for greater operational value and efficiency
About You
You are an experienced engineering and fleet leader with a strong track record in rail, transport, or another safety-critical operational environment.
You Bring:
- Senior leadership experience within engineering or fleet operations
- Strong commercial and contractual management capability
- Expertise in managing complex supplier and stakeholder relationships
- A data-driven approach to operational performance and continuous improvement
- Excellent communication and people leadership skills
- The ability to lead confidently in a fast-paced, regulated environment
Benefits include:
- Final salary pension
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator
Be You. With Us. At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive. We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better. We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.
Head of Fleet and Engineering in Birmingham employer: Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, reliability, and high performance in rail operations. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including a final salary pension, generous holiday allowance, and free travel for you and your family. Our inclusive work culture celebrates diversity and encourages authenticity, making it a rewarding environment for those looking to lead and innovate in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fleet and Engineering in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend rail and engineering events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Avanti West Coast and their fleet operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them overcome these. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams to success in previous roles. Highlight your ability to drive operational excellence and manage supplier relationships effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Avanti West Coast.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fleet and Engineering in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Fleet & Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience in engineering or fleet operations, and don’t forget to mention any relevant commercial management capabilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for rail performance and how your background in managing complex supplier relationships can drive operational excellence at Avanti West Coast.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve fleet reliability or reduce costs? Numbers speak volumes, so let us know how you’ve made a difference in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Avanti West Coast's fleet operations. Familiarise yourself with their rolling stock, recent performance metrics, and any challenges they face. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Fleet & Engineering, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your coaching methods and how you've developed talent within your teams to drive operational excellence.
✨Understand Supplier Relationships
Given the importance of managing strategic partnerships, be ready to discuss your experience with suppliers like Alstom and Hitachi. Share specific instances where you’ve navigated complex relationships or contracts, demonstrating your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount in rail operations. Be prepared to talk about how you've ensured safety standards in previous roles. Discuss your data-driven approach to operational performance and continuous improvement, showcasing how you can maintain high safety standards while driving efficiency.
