Technical Services Manager (Contract)

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.

As a Technical Services Manager you will be required to:

• 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.
• Define and maintain manufacturing routings, standard times, capacities, and process data within Microsoft Dynamics AX/ D365/ ERP systems.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes, assets and changes comply with Quality, EHS, and rail industry requirements.

The ideal Technical Services Manager:

• 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.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (Microsoft AX/ D365 preferred).
• Structured, data‑driven problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset.

Competitive salary with an annual bonus, tailored training to help you learn and develop, 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, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.

PROGRESS RAIL VALUES: Excellence – the power of quality. Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.