Assembley Manager (MPM) in Newport

Company: CAF Rolling Stock UK

Location: NEWPORT, GB

Most of us come to work to earn money and as an accredited Living Wage employer, of course you can expect a competitive salary from us; but we also recognise that you spend a lot of time in work, so you must choose your employer well! Built on core values of Excellence, Trust and Sustainability, CAF make beautiful and exciting products that we are all really proud of. It is not always easy to achieve the results we want, so we have recruited a team of amazing people, working together to achieve a common goal. As a business, we are willing to try new things; so our people need to be flexible and innovative. Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee work to ensure that we create a welcoming environment for everyone, where difference is respected; whilst our Employee Engagement Forum are tasked with injecting some fun into the workplace with events and activities throughout the year. If you want to be purposeful, occupied and part of an awesome team, building an amazing product; the choice is simple - choose CAF.

Mission of the position

Job Summary

The Assembly Manager is responsible for managing the production delivery for designated projects; with a specific emphasis on delivering operational effectiveness and ensuring all elements of production are carried out to world class standards.

Functions and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a production team, ensuring delivery across all PSQCD pillars (People, Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery).
• When required, act as the Manufacturing Project Manager (MPM) for specific projects, representing Manufacturing within the Core Team during the manufacturing and series production phases.
• Take ownership of manufacturing costs, including analysis, forecasting, and reporting to the Project Programme Manager.
• Ensure all Manufacturing activities meet agreed deadlines in line with the Programme Plan, providing regular progress updates.
• Support operations at other CAF locations, including sites in Spain, during industrialisation and serial production stages.
• Contribute to the identification and management of project Risks and Opportunities within the Core Program Team.
• Comply with MGCAF process requirements relating to Product Quality and Safety, Occupational Risk Prevention, and Environmental standards, according to the role being performed.
• Oversee the production process in line with the finite production schedule, maintaining a strong focus on right-first-time quality and on‑time delivery.
• Support the development, review, and monitoring of the HSE Plan, objectives, and targets.
• Identify and drive cost‑reduction opportunities and continuous improvement initiatives within production activities.
• Promote the effective use of team Kaizen boards and lead problem‑solving methodologies such as SCRA/CEDAC.
• Anticipate and resolve customer issues promptly, implementing solutions that support strong customer relationships and world‑class service standards.
• Lead a high‑performing and motivated production line(s), ensuring training needs are identified and addressed to support individual and team development.
• Manage key business KPIs aligned to PSQCD to ensure outputs meet planned takt requirements.
• Provide positive, proactive leadership that supports the adoption of best‑in‑class standards and processes.
• Coach and develop team leaders and staff in line with the CAF production system.
• Ensure full compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Qualifications Criteria

• Degree‑level qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience.
• IEng membership of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
• Leadership qualification at Level 5 or above, or willingness to work towards one.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Criteria

• Experience in a similar role within a modern, world‑class manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience of product flow management, capacity planning, and scheduling.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, tools, techniques, and project management methodologies.
• Strong customer and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate confidently at all levels.
• Effective negotiation skills to support positive outcomes.
• Proven determination and resilience to meet challenging targets on time and within budget.

Technical and/or practical knowledge valued

We offer some great benefits for our colleagues; with some highlights listed below:

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with length of service) + 8 bank holidays; plus annual leave carry over / cash-in option.
• Healthcare Cash Plan including claimable costs for optical, dental and other health benefits.
• Day 1 Life Assurance cover, amounting to 4x Annual Salary.
• Free Eye Tests for all DSE users.
• Excellent Pension Scheme with 3% Employee and 6% Employer contributions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Pay and Leave Benefits.
• Access to exclusive rewards, discounts and special offers at over 1000 leading high street and online retailers.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Support line.
• Professional Membership and Sponsorship Policy for Colleague Development.
• 8 paid hours per year, working with local charities in support of Social Value.
• Dedicated Women’s Network.
• Proud signatories of the Dying to Work Charter; Living Wage Foundation and Armed Forces covenant.