At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to ensure the safe operation of our heritage railway.
- Company: Join the Kent and East Sussex Railway, a historic and vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy rail staff travel, pension scheme, and discounts on goods.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving railway heritage while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven engineering management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Play a leading part in the safe running of our heritage railway. Are you an experienced Engineering Manager, with knowledge and skills that are honed in or transferrable to a heritage railway environment? Could you provide inspirational leadership to a varied team including paid and volunteer staff? Do you enjoy working in a variety of challenging physical environments?
This is a new role that will sit across our Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon, Yards, and Traction and Rolling Stock departments, ensuring that work is prioritised and completed safely within budget to provide the assets we need to successfully run our heritage railway.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrable experience of successful engineering management at Supervisor level or higher, and a relevant vocational or professional qualification.
- Experience of managing and developing multi-disciplinary teams including volunteers.
- Effective time management and organisational skills.
- Experience of successfully introducing procedures and processes to drive efficiency.
You will be responsible for the Rolvenden Locomotive Department Fitters, Carriage and Wagon Supervisor, Diesel Department, Administration Assistant (part-time), Rolvenden Yard Supervisor (part-time), Traction and Rolling Stock groups (including plant and on track machines), and oversight of c.100 volunteers.
This role is full-time including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Benefits
- Rail Staff Travel.
- Pension scheme.
- Free membership of the Kent & East Sussex Railway, discounted travel on the railway.
- Discounted refreshments and K&ESR goods.
Additional information
- Closing date for applications: 23:59, Monday 15th June 2026.
- First interviews week commencing: Monday 29th June 2026.
- Interviews will be held at Tenterden Town Station TN30 6HE.
Engineering Manager Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam employer: RailAdvent
Join the Kent and East Sussex Railway as an Engineering Manager, where you will lead a passionate team dedicated to preserving our heritage railway. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values both paid staff and volunteers, offering unique benefits such as rail staff travel, a pension scheme, and discounted goods. With opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the scenic beauty of Kent and East Sussex.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Manager Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam role you’re after at RailAdvent.
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We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Manager Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at RailAdvent a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to RailAdvent specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at RailAdvent
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with RailAdvent, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like RailAdvent want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
