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Date: 28 Oct 2026
Company: CAF Rail UK
Location:
MANCHESTER, GB, M40 2BA
ABOUT CAF
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. Utilising 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, achieve 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 absence.
- 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).
ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER
A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.
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), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!
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. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!
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Production Supervisor (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester) employer: Caf Rail Uk
CAF Rail UK in Belfast is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and safety are paramount. With flexible hours and a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to meaningful projects in the rail industry. The supportive culture fosters collaboration and growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Supervisor (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester)
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Caf Rail Uk, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Caf Rail Uk specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caf Rail Uk
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Caf Rail Uk, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Caf Rail Uk value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
