At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workshop operations and drive improvements in fleet performance.
- Company: Kinetic, Australasia’s largest bus operator, based in vibrant Melbourne.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and living expenses covered.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Gain international experience while contributing to a zero-emissions future.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75200 - 75200 £ per year.
This is a unique opportunity to take your engineering career overseas with Kinetic, Australasia’s largest bus operator. Initially based in Melbourne, with potential exposure to Queensland operations, this 12-month secondment offers the chance to broaden your experience, build capability, and make a real operational impact.
Kinetic operates a highly diverse fleet of 2,271 buses across 39 depots, supported by a large Workshop team of over 200 team members. The fleet includes Scania, Volvo and MAN vehicles, alongside a growing number of BYD electric buses, as part of our transition to a zero‑emissions future. The team supports route, charter, rail/tram replacement and commercial routes.
Our Workshops deliver:
- Compliance inspections and preventative maintenance
- Scheduled servicing
- In-house diagnostics and repairs
This ensures high vehicle availability, strong performance, and consistent maintenance standards across the network.
The Workshop Manager will play a key role in improving workshop performance across depot operations. You will:
- Identify and resolve reliability and maintenance issues
- Improve fleet availability and reduce repeat defects
- Drive sustainable improvements across engineering practices
- Support alignment between engineering and operations
This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused role, requiring strong influence, resilience, and the ability to lead change in operational environments.
What You’ll Bring:
- Experience in fleet engineering, maintenance or engineering leadership
- A track record of driving improvement and change
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical capability
- Ability to influence and lead without direct authority
- Confidence working in fast‑paced, operational settings
Why This Role:
- Live and work in Melbourne, with potential exposure to Queensland operations
- Gain valuable international experience within a global transport group
- Work across multiple business units and depot environments
- Contribute to the transition toward electric bus technology
- Build capability for future engineering leadership roles
How We Will Support You:
- Support with visa application
- Compensation: $141,750.00 per annum (approx. £75,200)
- Living expenses up to $5,000.00 per month (approx. £2,653)
- Relocation support: Air fares and Visa costs up to $5,000.00 (approx. £2,653)
This Opportunity Is Only for Current Go-Ahead Employees
Closing date: 11th June.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Go‑Ahead London is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from women and from people of all backgrounds, including those from under‑represented groups. We are an equal opportunities employer and select candidates based on merit and ability. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
Workshop Manager UK to Australia Secondment employer: Go-Ahead London
Kinetic is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for engineering professionals to expand their careers in the vibrant city of Melbourne, renowned for its quality of life. With a strong commitment to employee development, Kinetic provides comprehensive support for relocation and living expenses, alongside a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the transition to electric bus technology. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working within a global transport group that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager UK to Australia Secondment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kinetic on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Kinetic’s operations and their fleet. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and how you can contribute to their transition to electric buses.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve improved processes or resolved issues. We want to see how you can drive change in a fast-paced environment.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Workshop Manager UK to Australia Secondment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Workshop Manager role. Highlight your experience in fleet engineering and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this secondment opportunity and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical capabilities and drive improvements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of everything. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Go-Ahead London
✨Know Your Fleet
Familiarise yourself with the types of vehicles Kinetic operates, especially Scania, Volvo, MAN, and BYD electric buses. Understanding their maintenance needs and common issues will show your technical knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or driven change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to influence others without direct authority, as this is crucial for the Workshop Manager position.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've identified and resolved reliability or maintenance issues. Be ready to discuss your analytical approach and how it led to improved fleet availability or reduced defects.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Since this role involves working in fast-paced operational settings, share experiences that demonstrate your resilience and adaptability. Talk about how you've thrived in dynamic environments and contributed to sustainable improvements.
