At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for HS2's rolling stock and depot, ensuring efficient maintenance and performance.
- Company: Join HS2, shaping the future of Britain's high-speed railway.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 12% pension, health benefits, and 25 holidays.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence a major infrastructure project.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the UK's railway operations and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing operational depots and fleet maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 111579 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid Working – c.3 Days Office)
Salary: £100,000 – £111,579 + 12% Pension + health + 25 holidays
Programme: HS2 Rolling Stock & Depot Programme
Have you managed a major rolling stock depot or introduced a new fleet into service? Do you understand what it takes to keep train fleets operating safely, reliably and efficiently? Would you like to influence how Britain's new high‑speed railway is operated, maintained and commercially managed for decades to come?
HS2 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to join its Rolling Stock and Depot team in a unique client‑side role, as the maintainer, focused on the long‑term operational success of the railway. This is not a traditional construction or project delivery position. Instead, you will act as the future maintainer and operational representative, helping shape the strategy, commercial arrangements and operational readiness of HS2's rolling stock and depot facilities. You will play a key role in ensuring the railway can be operated, maintained and adapted efficiently throughout its lifecycle.
The Opportunity
Working at the heart of the HS2 programme, you will act as the proxy train owner, representing the future operational and maintenance needs of the railway. A major focus of the role will be the £858m+ Washwood Heath Depot, ensuring the facility is delivered in a manner that supports the needs of the train manufacturer, future operator and HS2, while maintaining flexibility for future fleet changes, operational growth and evolving industry standards. You will influence how rolling stock, depot operations, maintenance strategies and commercial arrangements come together to create a sustainable railway capable of operating successfully for the next 60‑100 years. This is a highly visible position requiring engagement with senior stakeholders across HS2, the Department for Transport, train manufacturers, operators and industry partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the operational and maintenance representative for HS2 rolling stock and depot strategy
- Influence the development and future operation of the Washwood Heath Depot
- Ensure depot facilities support efficient fleet maintenance and operational performance
- Support the development of commercial and contractual arrangements relating to fleet and depot operations
- Engage with train manufacturers, future operators and industry stakeholders
- Assess operational impacts of engineering, maintenance and commercial decisions
- Ensure future flexibility for fleet growth, technology upgrades and changing operational requirements
- Support operational readiness and fleet introduction activities
- Provide strategic advice on depot operations, fleet maintenance and long‑term asset utilisation
About You
You will likely come from a senior operational, fleet, depot or rolling stock background and have first‑hand experience managing maintenance operations, introducing new fleets or overseeing major depot facilities. You will understand the practical realities of running railway operations while balancing commercial, contractual and strategic considerations.
Essential Experience
- Extensive understanding of railway operations and the interaction between rolling stock and depot facilities
- Experience managing a major operational depot with maintenance capability
- Knowledge of fleet maintenance, rolling stock rotation and operational planning
- Strong understanding of Train Service Agreements, maintenance contracts and commercial arrangements
- Experience within a Train Operating Company (TOC), Rolling Stock Operating Company (ROSCO), infrastructure owner or equivalent organisation
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage complex relationships
- Strong commercial awareness combined with operational expertise
- Experience introducing new fleets, depots or major operational change programmes
Desirable Experience
- Experience managing multiple fleets or large‑scale maintenance facilities
- Background as Head of Depot, Fleet Director, Head of Operations, Engineering Director or similar senior leadership role
- Experience supporting operational readiness and mobilisation programmes
- Knowledge of depot design, maintainability and future‑proofing strategies
- Understanding of railway operating models, franchising or concession arrangements
Why Join HS2?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the future operation of Britain's newest railway before it enters service. You will help shape how trains are maintained, operated and commercialised, ensuring the railway remains efficient, flexible and sustainable for generations to come. Working within a small, highly influential team, you will have significant visibility across the programme and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on one of the UK's most important infrastructure projects.
Senior Operations Manager - Depot & Rolling Stock employer: Charlton Recruitment
HS2 is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of Britain's high-speed railway from its Birmingham base. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and hybrid working options, HS2 fosters an environment where your contributions directly impact the operational success of a landmark infrastructure project. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and sustainability, ensuring a legacy for generations to come.
