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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise production activities in a dynamic rail engineering environment.
- Company: Join Pullman Rail, part of Transport for Wales, committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive and collaborative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transport industry while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in engineering or safety-critical environments required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Please note: This role is for Pullman Rail which is a subsidiary of Transport for Wales.
Location: Canton, Cardiff
Closing Date: 05/05/2026
Equal Opportunities
At Pullman Rail we value diversity. It makes us stronger, helps us understand our customers better, make better decisions and be more innovative. Everyone’s different and has their own perspective so we’re building a diverse team that mirrors the communities we serve. Through this we’re determined to be one of Wales' leading inclusive employers.
Who we are
At Pullman Rail (part of the Transport for Wales family), we’re on a mission to be the engineering and overhaul partner of choice to the UK Transport Network. From our facility in South Wales, we provide comprehensive services including vehicle overhauls, heavy maintenance, component repairs and system upgrades to a large proportion of the UK rail fleet. And we have exciting plans to diversify into the wider transport market as part of our growth strategy. We’re an open and inclusive place to work, where everyone is welcome and our people are supported to reach their full potential. We want to create an environment where our people can grow and succeed. This is key to enabling us to deliver on our ambition to grow our services and support the transformation happening across the Public Sector transport industry.
Role responsibilities
We are seeking a Head of Production to join our Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Managing Director, the post holder will lead and optimise all production activities across the site, including heavy maintenance (C4/C6, refresh and modifications) and trainborne equipment refurbishment. The role is accountable for operational performance, ensuring production is delivered safely, efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory, customer and business requirements, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Safety & Ethics – Support the SHEQ strategy and ensure compliance with Pullman Rail safety and compliance policies.
- Delivery & Excellence – Deliver high-quality, on-time and on-budget production outputs, driving efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Operational Leadership – Provide strategic leadership of all production activities, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, cost and schedule requirements.
- People – Lead, develop and motivate production teams, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Performance & Improvement – Set and monitor KPIs, manage resources and budgets, and apply lean and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance performance.
- Collaboration & Customers – Work closely with engineering and support functions and act as the senior operational contact for customers.
Who we’re looking for
A candidate with significant senior operational leadership experience within traction and rolling stock, engineering, manufacturing or another safety-critical environment. A candidate with a degree, or equivalent experience, in engineering, production management or a related discipline. Someone with an excellent understanding and knowledge of production planning, maintenance and overhaul processes as well as of regulatory and industry frameworks (for example, RISAS, ISO ROGS) who is able to lead, influence and collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams to develop strategies and programmes. Significant experience in carrying out and supervising both light and heavy maintenance activities, specifically L1-4 and C4/C6. Proven track record of managing and leading technical production teams and delivering performance improvements. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets and resources effectively. A mentor and coach able to develop the engineering team to support professional and organisational growth.
Welsh Language Skills
The ability to speak/write Welsh would make a great addition to your application, but it is not essential for this role.
Job Requirements & Notes
Note that you must hold the permanent right to work in the UK. We are not currently able to provide sponsorship.
Head of Production in Manchester employer: Pullman Rail
Contact Detail:
Pullman Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Pullman Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Pullman Rail’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in being part of our mission to enhance the UK Transport Network.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences leading teams and driving improvements. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Production role. Highlight your relevant experience in operational leadership, production planning, and safety-critical environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Pullman Rail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of regulatory frameworks and your approach to continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate teams. In your application, share examples of how you've developed and supported your teams in previous roles. This will help us see your potential fit within our inclusive culture.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and gives you a chance to explore more about Pullman Rail and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pullman Rail
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of production planning and maintenance processes, especially in traction and rolling stock. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations like RISAS and ISO ROGS, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading technical production teams. Think about times you've driven performance improvements or managed complex projects, and be ready to discuss how you motivated your team to achieve their goals.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Since safety is a top priority for Pullman Rail, be prepared to talk about how you've supported safety strategies in previous roles. Highlight any specific initiatives you've led that improved compliance and safety standards in your past work environments.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Pullman Rail values diversity and inclusion, so think about how you can contribute to this culture. Be ready to discuss your approach to promoting equality and collaboration within teams, and how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles.