At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational success of HS2's train fleets and depot facilities.
- Company: Join HS2, shaping the future of Britain's high-speed railway.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and a chance to influence railway operations.
- 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 sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Experience in railway operations, fleet management, and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Do you understand what it takes to keep train fleets operating safely, reliably and efficiently? Would you like to influence how Britain's new high-speed railway is operated, maintained and commercially managed for decades to come? HS2 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to join its Rolling Stock and Depot team in a unique client-side role, as the maintainer, 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.
The Opportunity
Working at the heart of the HS2 programme, you will act as the proxy train owner, representing the future operational and maintenance needs of the railway. A major focus of the role will be the £858m+ Washwood Heath Depot, ensuring the facility is delivered in a manner that supports the needs of the train manufacturer, future operator and HS2, while maintaining flexibility for future fleet changes, operational growth and evolving industry standards. You will influence how rolling stock, depot operations, maintenance strategies and commercial arrangements come together to create a sustainable railway capable of operating successfully for the next 60-100 years. This is a highly visible position requiring engagement with senior stakeholders across HS2, the Department for Transport, train manufacturers, operators and industry partners.
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
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 generations 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. 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 the 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
Senior Operations Manager - Depot & Rolling Stock employer: HS2 Ltd
HS2 is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of Britain's high-speed railway through a client-side role that prioritises operational success and sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth, HS2 fosters a collaborative work culture where your expertise directly influences the long-term strategy and efficiency of railway operations. Located at the forefront of one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, you will enjoy the chance to leave a lasting legacy while engaging with senior stakeholders and industry partners in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager - Depot & Rolling Stock
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like HS2 Ltd.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by HS2 Ltd. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager - Depot & Rolling Stock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at HS2 Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at HS2 Ltd and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into HS2 Ltd. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at HS2 Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to HS2 Ltd.
