Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a major railway depot project, ensuring technical excellence and integration.
- Company: Join a leading engineering team supporting HS2's innovative rail infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, 25 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming rail systems in the UK with a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering leader with experience in multi-disciplinary rail systems projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a complex, high-profile environment.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 76000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham & Washwood Heath | Hybrid working (3 days office/site)
Salary: £85,000 – £92,000 + 12% pen, healthcare, 25 days annual leave
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 represents one of the largest and most complex rail system facilities delivered in the UK in recent decades. 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 anticipated in April 2026.
The depot includes a diverse and technically complex range of assets, including:
- Maintenance Building
- Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC)
- 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 - Rail Depot in Birmingham employer: Charlton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charlton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager - Rail Depot in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 and the Washwood Heath Depot. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in systems engineering and project delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex engineering challenges. Highlight your ability to manage interfaces and ensure smooth integration across multiple systems.
✨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 - Rail Depot in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience in delivering major rail systems projects and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Lead Project Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to the challenges we face at HS2. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves complex system integration, make sure to highlight your technical skills related to railway systems, signalling, and electrification. We want to see your problem-solving abilities and how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past.
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of railway systems, especially signalling, control centres, and electrification. Be ready to discuss how you've integrated these systems in past projects, as this will show your technical expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or stakeholders in complex projects. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment.
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire lifecycle of rail depot projects, from design through to operational readiness. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach each phase, particularly focusing on technical assurance and integration.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in integrating various systems and how you would manage risks and changes. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically.
