At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing technology strategy and ensure efficient operations across multiple UK sites.
- Company: Join Progress Rail, a global leader in rail solutions and technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, training, pension, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workforce committed to quality and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on engineering excellence in a safety-critical environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in manufacturing transformation required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you a manufacturing and engineering leader who thrives on setting standards, driving consistency, and shaping how world‑class operations are delivered? Are you ready to act as the group authority for manufacturing technology, maintenance strategy, asset reliability, CNC programming, tooling, CAPEX delivery, and New Product Introduction across multiple UK sites?
As Technical Services Manager (TSM), you will define how manufacturing and maintenance are executed across the group. Reporting to the Production Director, you’ll work as a senior group presence across all four UK locations, setting clear standards and ensuring site teams consistently deliver safe, efficient, and future‑ready manufacturing in a safety‑critical rail environment. You’ll ensure manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and fully compliant with rail standards, enabling the reliable and traceable production of switches, crossings, rail components and assemblies.
If you’re passionate about engineering excellence, governance, and continuous improvement at scale, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact across UK manufacturing operations.
THE ROLE:
- Define and lead the group manufacturing technology strategy, aligned to business objectives and long‑term growth.
- Own the manufacturing asset lifecycle and maintenance strategy, including asset criticality, reliability improvement, critical spares, and replacement planning.
- Lead the manufacturing CAPEX portfolio end‑to‑end, from business case through delivery, commissioning, and benefits realisation.
- Provide functional leadership for CNC programming, tooling, and fixtures, driving standardisation, optimisation, cost control, and risk reduction.
- Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure safe, robust, and repeatable manufacturing processes ready for operational handover.
- Establish and govern group manufacturing standards, specifications, and technical governance across all sites.
- Define and maintain manufacturing routings, standard times, capacities, and process data within Microsoft Dynamics AX/ D365/ ERP systems.
- Partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Planning and Design to ensure standards are practical, embedded and support design‑for‑manufacture.
- Ensure all manufacturing processes, assets and changes comply with Quality, EHS, and rail industry requirements.
- Uphold the Company Code of Conduct, taking responsibility for health, safety, environmental compliance and other reasonable duties aligned to the role.
THE CANDIDATE:
- Degree educated (or equivalent experience) in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering.
- Proven experience leading CAPEX delivery and/or manufacturing transformation within a heavy or complex manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical expertise in CNC machining, tooling strategies, and machine capability.
- Experience working across multi‑site manufacturing operations.
- Working knowledge of ERP systems (Microsoft AX/ D365 preferred).
- Structured, data‑driven problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and site teams without direct authority.
- Technically credible leader able to set standards, challenge constructively, and drive alignment.
- Clear communicator who can align group strategy into site‑level execution.
- Resilient and collaborative, comfortable operating in a regulated, safety‑critical manufacturing environment.
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary with an annual bonus
- Tailored training to help you learn and develop
- Company funded external qualifications (where relevant to the role)
- Company pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
- Life assurance cover 3.5 x salary
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off across 4,000 UK gyms
- Fuel Card – save 2-3p per litre on across 3,500 UK fuel stations including BP, Esso and Shell
- Various employee recognition schemes
- 33 days holiday per annum, pro rate (inclusive of bank/public holidays)
ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL:
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.
PROGRESS RAIL VALUES:
- Integrity – the power of honesty
- Excellence – the power of quality
- Teamwork – the power of working together
- Commitment – the power of responsibility
- Sustainability – the power of endurance
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for this role, please click on the link provided. If you would like any further information about this vacancy before applying, please feel free to contact Taher Rahman at our Sandiacre site. We would politely request no agencies please.
Technical Services Manager in Derby employer: Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees in South Queensferry. With competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company fosters a supportive work culture where Moulding Operatives can thrive and grow their skills through comprehensive training opportunities. Join a team that values safety, quality, and employee satisfaction, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
Contact Details:
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Services Manager in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to manufacturing technology and asset reliability. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals—this will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in CAPEX delivery and CNC programming clearly. The more comfortable you are discussing your skills, the more confident you'll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Progress Rail. Let’s get you that Technical Services Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Services Manager in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Technical Services Manager role. Highlight your leadership in manufacturing technology and any relevant CAPEX delivery experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about engineering excellence and how you can contribute to our mission at Progress Rail. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven improvements or led successful projects in previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to manufacturing technology, CNC programming, and maintenance strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in a safety-critical environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Services Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence teams across multiple sites. Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven change or improvements in previous positions, focusing on collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
✨Understand the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Progress Rail's values: Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment, and Sustainability. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share specific instances where you've embodied these principles in your work.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's manufacturing strategy, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
