At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a major railway depot project, ensuring technical excellence and integration.
- Company: Join HS2, a pioneering project transforming rail infrastructure in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £101,500, hybrid working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact and career growth opportunities in a complex environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a groundbreaking rail project that shapes the future of transport.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering leader with experience in multi-disciplinary rail systems projects.
Location: Birmingham & Washwood Heath | Hybrid working (3 days office/site)
Salary: £85,000 – £92,000 (potentially to £101,500k with approvals) + 12% Pen
Project: HS2’s Washwood Heath Train Care Depot
Role Overview
Are you a senior engineering leader or engineering manager with strong systems engineering capability or experience delivering major multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure, such as depots, rail maintenance facilities, or stations? Candidates are welcomed from client organisations, contractors, train manufacturers, or engineering consultancies.
We are supporting High Speed Two with the appointment of a Lead Project Engineer / Engineering Manager to play a central leadership role in the delivery of a major new railway depot at Washwood Heath, Birmingham. The Washwood Heath Depot, £858m represents the largest and most complex rail system facilities (Depot) ever delivered in the UK. It will form the operational and testing heart of the HS2 network and is being delivered as a distinct 8-year programme, comprising approximately 2–3 years of design followed by 5 years of construction, testing, and commissioning, with contract award just been announced – JV Taylor Woodrow Infrastructure & Aureos Rail.
The depot includes a diverse and technically complex range of assets, including:
- Maintenance Building
- Cleaners’ and Drivers’ Facilities
- Stabling Yard
- Office Accommodation and Staff Welfare Facilities
The Role
Working directly for HS2, you will act as the technical lead and single point of technical accountability for the successful delivery partner. You will guide the depot through its entire lifecycle, from detailed design through construction, testing, commissioning, and into operational readiness.
The post holder will lead technical assurance, system integration, and interface management across multiple railway systems and engineering disciplines, ensuring delivery in line with contractual, statutory, safety, and performance requirements.
Key Challenges
- System Integration: Integrating complex rail systems including signalling and control, power and electrification, track and civils, communications & data, and depot-specific systems. This includes managing transitions between ATO (Automatic Train Operation) and conventional signalling environments.
- Interface Management: Coordinating and assuring interfaces across multiple delivery contracts and neighbouring assets within a highly complex delivery environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical assurance and integration of railway systems across the depot programme
- Ensure designs and construction meet contractual, statutory, and technical requirements
- Manage engineering risks, issues, interfaces, and changes
- Act as the technical authority and provide guidance on design solutions
- Fulfil duties as CDM Principal Designer (2015) Representative
- Support programme reporting, risk mitigation, and coordination with commercial teams
- Ensure smooth integration across multiple rail systems contracts- including signalling, control centres, power and electrification (OHL), M&E, BMS, and communications systems (scada).
Candidate Profile
You will be a qualified senior engineering leader with significant experience delivering major multi-disciplinary rail systems projects. Experience may include depots, stations, new railway infrastructure, or major remodelling works. Candidates are welcomed from client organisations, contractors, train manufacturers, or engineering consultancies.
Experience and attributes include:
- Strong understanding of railway systems, including signalling, control centres, power and electrification (OHL), M&E, BMS, and communications systems
- Proven Design & Build delivery experience ideally on Rail Depots or similar large rail buildings (Stations, Train Care facilities, Depots)
- Solid knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and Principal Designer responsibilities
- A track record of solving complex engineering problems while balancing commercial and programme considerations
- Strong leadership capability with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Ability to operate confidently in a complex, high-profile, multi-stakeholder environment
Engineering Manager - HS2 Rail Depot in Birmingham employer: Charlton Recruitment
As an Engineering Manager at HS2's Washwood Heath Depot, you will be part of a pioneering project that is set to redefine rail infrastructure in the UK. Our hybrid working model promotes a balanced work-life environment, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement in your career. Join us in Birmingham, where you will lead a talented team in delivering a complex and innovative railway depot, contributing to a project that is not only significant in scale but also vital for the future of sustainable transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager - HS2 Rail Depot in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local 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 the company and its projects, especially HS2. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for rail infrastructure and how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical explanations! Be ready to discuss complex engineering concepts clearly and confidently. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate who can lead and integrate various systems 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 their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager - HS2 Rail Depot in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Engineering Manager role. Highlight your experience with multi-disciplinary rail systems and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for rail infrastructure and how your leadership style aligns with our goals at HS2.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use metrics or examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully delivered complex engineering projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of railway systems, especially signalling, control centres, and electrification. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, highlighting your role in system integration and technical assurance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or influenced stakeholders in complex environments. This is your chance to shine as a senior engineering leader!
✨Understand the Project Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the HS2 Washwood Heath Depot project. Know its scale, challenges, and the key players involved. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to design solutions and risk management. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise and problem-solving skills.
