Production Supervisor (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester)

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community. Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers. Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilizing the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be! We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way.

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting‑edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading and managing technicians on the shop floor in the overhaul of major components, including bogies, wheelsets, traction motors, gearboxes, couplers, PWPs, HVAC systems, etc. Reporting to the Production Manager, this role ensures that safety, quality, organization, delivery, and efficiency targets are met through effective day‑to‑day supervision of production activities. The Production Supervisor acts as the front‑line leader for the technicians on the shop floor, ensuring compliance with CAF standards, rail industry regulations, and HSQE requirements. The role is pivotal in embedding a strong safety culture, maintaining 5S standards, achieving the production targets and driving continuous improvement in line with CAF’s lean principles.

Your daily duties will include:

• Lead and manage a team of technicians in line with HR policies/procedures to deliver overhaul tasks safely, on time, and to the required quality standards.
• Supervise and monitor day‑to‑day work on the shop floor, providing clear direction and resolving issues as they arise.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and daily work allocation in line with the production plan.
• Ensure technicians are trained, competent, and working in accordance with work instructions, BOMs, and risk assessments.
• Monitor technician performance, conduct competency assessments, and support individual development.
• Drive high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and 5S across the workshop and messing areas (changing room, canteen, etc).
• Support the Production Manager in meeting production KPIs (output, quality, rework, efficiency).
• Liaise with Engineering and Materials teams to address technical or supply issues that impact the production schedule.
• Escalate risks, delays, or quality concerns promptly to the Production Manager in a timely manner.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement among technicians.
• Maintain accurate reporting and handovers to ensure continuity across shifts and the production processes.
• Ensure the required manpower is available to comply with the production plan by managing the annual leave of the technicians and other absences.
• Support any other business activities, audits and initiatives that align with the project scope and the qualifications of the Production Supervisor.

What salary will you be paid for this role?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary of £50,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

To succeed in this role you will need:

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant electrical/mechanical discipline.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) desirable.
• Proven experience supervising or leading teams in a heavy engineering, rail, automotive, or aerospace environment.
• Strong track record of delivering safe, high‑quality outputs against deadlines.
• Demonstrated competence in production processes, team management, and workshop operations.
• Experience of applying Lean Manufacturing / continuous improvement principles desirable.
• Proficient in MS Office and workshop systems (ERP/CMMS, e.g. GMAO, SAP).

What we offer

We’re a Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter, and Women in Rail EDI Charter. Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), a generous health care cash plan, and Bike2Work scheme. Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF. As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree‑planting, company‑wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees.