Head of Technical Services

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive search firm to the UK, North American and European Rail, Defence, Technology & Heavy Manufacturing industries.

Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients' organisations with expertise spanning engineering, commercial, procurement, HR, IT, finance, HSQE, sales, projects, operations and c-suite.

We are trusted by over 100 leading organisations when they seek to make a leadership appointment, be that a permanent appointment or interim solutions.

We have been appointed by our client company on a retained search for a motivated and hands-on leader who will be accountable for the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the Fleet whilst leading the Fleet Engineering team.

This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

Client Opportunity Statements:

• As we elevate the business and take the next step on our growth trajectory, we are focused on developing and professionalising our engineering function to deliver a first-in-class service by appointing a driven and hands-on Head of Technical Fleet Services.
• A successful candidate will take full ownership of the safety, reliability and effectiveness of our Fleet, leading the Fleet Engineering team to maintain and optimise VMIs for improved performance. In tandem, I expect this individual to be my 'right hand' and work with me to build the vision for the team to drive transformation. The Head of Technical Services will have the opportunity to make this role their own.
• Culture is key to our business, and we are looking for a seasoned professional with strong leadership and technical experience to be able to have ownership and give direction to the fleet department as we continue our journey of professionalisation and continuous improvement.

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience):

• Rail industry background is essential; candidates can come from a TOC, ROSCO, Consulting or OEM environments.
• The successful applicant will have experience driving change throughout an organisation.
• An inspirational and motivated leader with a track record of leading large teams.
• Knowledge and understanding of railway standards, legislation and traction and rolling stock systems.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Candidates to be within a commutable distance to their facility and comfortable being on site full time.
• Chartered Electrical or Mechanical Engineer (capable of holding the position of Professional Head of Engineering).

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours):

• A strong leader who has the ability to challenge when needed.
• Not afraid to 'fly the flag' and lead at industry events.
• Naturally a hands-on leader, 'no job too big, no job too small' attitude.
• Problem solving and resilient character.
• Proactive, confident communicator internally and externally.

Working Arrangements & Location:

The Head of Technical Services will predominantly be based on site in the Midlands, 5 days a week, there will be an 'air' of flexibility when required.

Good to know:

The Head of Technical Services will be accountable for the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the Fleet, leading the Fleet Engineering team to maintain and optimise VMI's for optimum vehicle performance, provide technical support to the Service Centres and instigate vehicle modifications to address safety concerns or improve vehicle reliability.

The Head of Technical Services will also be required to set and monitor the Fleet Engineering Standards for the business to ensure legislative compliance, as well as leading a performance management function, ensuring metrics are clear, available to the business and industry bodies in a timely and accurate way.

We are seeking a seasoned professional with strong leadership and technical experience to be able to ownership and give direction to the fleet department.