At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead warranty management, establish governance, and drive performance improvements.
- Company: Major UK rail operator with a focus on innovation and proactive strategies.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equal opportunities and career development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a pivotal role within the rail industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in rolling stock, strong technical and commercial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 64832 - 64832 £ per year.
Location: Network‑wide (north), with travel to Care Centres and suppliers.
Working Pattern: Hybrid – approx. 3 days on site / 2 days from home.
Salary: £64,832 per annum
The Situation
A major UK rail operator is seeking an experienced and autonomous Warranty Manager to take full ownership of its warranty management function. The current process is underdeveloped and reactive; the organisation is now shifting towards a proactive, data‑driven approach. With a significant number of new trains entering the fleet over the coming years, this is a pivotal moment to establish strong governance, improve performance, and maximise cost recovery.
The Opportunity
This is a high‑impact role within the Technical Services team, offering the autonomy to define strategy, refine Quality Management System Procedures (QMSP), and build a robust governance framework for warranty activity. You will manage one direct report (Fleet & Material Support Engineer) and act as the key interface between Technical Support Engineers, train owners, and major suppliers such as Unipart, Wabtec, and CAT.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Governance — Establish and enforce a consistent, robust warranty governance process across five Train Care Centres.
- KPI Implementation — Develop and maintain KPIs to track claim volumes, success rates, losses, and disputes.
- Dispute Resolution — Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers when claims are rejected, using technical insight to secure favourable outcomes.
- Performance Reporting — Produce clear financial and operational reporting for senior stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Management — Coordinate between Technical Support Engineers and external supply chain partners to ensure timely, accurate claim handling.
- Material Support Oversight — Manage the Fleet & Material Support Engineer, ensuring engineering changes and material challenges are resolved efficiently.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Rolling Stock Expertise — Minimum 5 years’ experience within the rolling stock industry.
- Technical Background — Strong understanding of engine systems and related engineering principles.
- Commercial Acumen — Experience managing budgets, interpreting contract obligations (e.g., NEC4), and reporting financial outcomes.
- Qualifications — NVQ Level 3 or above in an engineering discipline.
- Analytical Mindset — Ability to trend data and use insights to drive process improvements.
- High Autonomy — Comfortable defining your own direction and navigating complex, ambiguous challenges.
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on‑going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination.
Warranty Manager employer: Ford
Contact Detail:
Ford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Warranty Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the rolling stock industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro. Research the company and its current projects, especially around warranty management and governance processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their shift towards a proactive, data-driven approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical mindset! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to trend data and make informed decisions, which is crucial for the Warranty Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Warranty Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Warranty Manager. Highlight your experience in warranty management and rolling stock, and don’t forget to showcase your technical background and commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to establish governance and improve performance.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires an analytical mindset, be sure to include any relevant experience where you've used data to drive improvements. This will show us that you can handle the KPI implementation and performance reporting aspects of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your rolling stock expertise and technical background. Be ready to discuss engine systems and engineering principles in detail, as this role requires a solid understanding of these areas.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
Prepare examples of how you've established governance processes or implemented KPIs in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and drive a proactive approach, which is crucial for the Warranty Manager position.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Think about past experiences where you've led commercial negotiations, especially when claims were rejected. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your technical insight and how you secured favourable outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've coordinated between different teams or external partners in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to ensure timely, accurate claim handling.