At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead depot operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in train maintenance.
- Company: Join Greater Anglia, a forward-thinking company shaping the future of rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel discounts, exclusive deals, wellbeing support, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Engineering apprenticeship or relevant experience, strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Based at Ilford Depot, 37 hours per week, primarily 9am–5pm. The role operates on a hybrid basis (home and office) and includes on‑call responsibilities. Employment is subject to satisfactory Right to Work checks, a DBS check, and a safety‑critical medical assessment. Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Competitive salary.
An exciting new role has been created within the GA Engineering management team: Deputy Head of Fleet (South). You’ll play a key leadership role to help shape a safe, efficient and high performing depot operation - working closely with engineering colleagues, the train maintenance provider (currently Alstom) and other external partners to place reliable trains into service each day. Fleet South is the Depot Facility Owner (DFO) for Ilford Depot. The business will also look to the Deputy Head of Fleet (South) to continue the excellent work to invest in the depot and supporting facilities to ensure it remains productive, and an enabler of world‑class train maintenance activities.
Key Responsibilities- Deputise for the Head of Fleet (South), ensuring depot facilities and its operations are safe and compliant.
- Coordinate day-to-day depot activities to optimise infrastructure, resources and operational performance.
- Ensure compliance with Safety Management Systems, HSE and ISO0001 standards.
- Lead on reporting and investigation of incidents and near‑misses through to resolution.
- Work collaboratively with maintenance partners, Fleet Control, Technical, QHSE and Operations to deliver service and Key Performance Indicators.
- Ensure maintenance, overhaul and start-of-service requirements are delivered in line with maintainer and timetable demands.
- Contribute to Engineering Business Reviews and wider fleet performance reporting.
- Use depot and fleet systems to manage maintenance, assurance and performance data.
- Maintain positive union relations, supporting consultation, local safety forums and engagement activities.
- Provide support and guidance to a wider team of approximately 50 employees, including a small team of direct reports - through regular check-ins, objectives and development conversations.
- Support on-call arrangements and undertake Senior Duty Fleet Manager responsibilities when required.
We’re Looking for Candidates With:
- A minimum of an Engineering apprenticeship with City & Guilds (or equivalent) and/or relevant professional experience.
- Qualified and/or experienced in accident/incident investigations.
- Sound knowledge of railway health & safety and regulatory requirements.
- IOSH qualification or working towards (NEBOSH preferred).
- Proven experience in Fleet maintenance and Operational environments.
- Significant experience in people management in safety‑critical settings.
- Clear and inclusive communication skills with the ability to work across teams and disciplines.
- Experience using asset and information systems.
- Experience working in partnership with third‑party maintenance providers.
- Interest in continuous improvement and developing ways of working.
- Undertake safety critical duties where required.
What’s In It for You?
- Travel Discounts: Enjoy free travel on Greater Anglia and 75% off with other train operators, plus discounts for eligible family members too!
- International Adventures: After 12 months, unlock discounted international travel for you and your family.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access the GA Hapi App for deals on shopping, dining, and fun days out.
- Vouchers for Loved Ones: Get 12 annual discount vouchers for family and friends to enjoy.
- Wellbeing Support: 24/7 employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, flu jabs, and physiotherapy services.
- Pension Perks: Start with a Defined Contribution pension, with the option to upgrade to a Final Salary pension after 2 years.
- Family-Friendly Policies: We’ve got you covered with maternity, paternity, adoption leave, and shared parental leave after 26 weeks.
- Save While You Spend: Cycle to work and tech purchase schemes once you pass probation.
The closing date for all completed applications is on Friday 19th June 2026. Please note vacancies can close earlier due to high influx of candidate applications.
At Greater Anglia we are proud of the work that we do. We’re investing to help shape the future of rail in the UK and being a part of our team gives you every opportunity to contribute to the journey we are on.
Join Us and Experience:
- Inclusivity & Respect: Be yourself and thrive in a supportive environment where every idea and person is valued. Help us be Greater Together.
- Community & Teamwork: Work together to deliver the best for our customers while enjoying a friendly, can-do atmosphere.
- Pride & Progress: Contribute to meaningful change and a sustainable future, with continuous improvement as the norm.
Deputy Head of Fleet South - 2148 in Ilford employer: Greater Anglia
At Greater Anglia, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee is valued. As the Deputy Head of Fleet South based at Ilford Depot, you will benefit from competitive salaries, extensive travel discounts, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team dedicated to delivering world-class train maintenance. Join us to contribute to meaningful change in the rail industry while enjoying a healthy work-life balance through our hybrid working model and family-friendly policies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Fleet South - 2148 in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with friends or family. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your experience. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Fleet South - 2148 in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of Fleet role. Highlight your relevant experience in fleet maintenance and people management, and show us how you can contribute to our team at Ilford Depot.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. If you've got experience in safety-critical environments or working with third-party maintenance providers, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your personality shine through, so make it easy for us to understand your journey and aspirations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Anglia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially around railway health and safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Fleet role, as well as the operations at Ilford Depot. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team of around 50 employees, be ready to discuss your experience in people management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in safety-critical environments and how you handle conflict or challenges within a team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly in incident investigations or compliance issues. Think of specific situations where you had to coordinate with multiple stakeholders or resolve a safety concern, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the depot's operations and future plans. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
