At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational strategy for HS2's rolling stock and depot facilities.
- Company: Join HS2, shaping the future of Britain's high-speed railway.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, health benefits, and 25 holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a small, influential team with significant visibility across the programme.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the UK's newest railway and its operational success.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in railway operations and managing major depots.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 111579 £ per year.
High Speed Two Ltd (HS2) is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to join its Rolling Stock and Depot team in a unique client‑side role, 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.
Opportunity
Working at the heart of the HS2 programme, you will act as the proxy train owner, representing future operational and maintenance needs of the railway.
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
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 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 years 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.
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