Workshop Supervisor

The Workshop Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the maintenance and production workshop. The role ensures that all activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards, while meeting production, quality, and delivery targets. The Workshop Supervisor leads frontline teams, drives a positive safety culture, and ensures that all work is completed to the highest standards of workmanship and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Supervision
  • Supervise daily workshop activities, ensuring work is completed in line with production plans and schedules.
  • Coordinate workflow across maintenance, overhaul, and production tasks.
  • Act as the first point of contact for operational issues within the workshop, ensuring timely resolution.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, motivate, and manage workshop operatives, technicians, and fitters.
  • Allocate tasks and responsibilities based on skills, competency, and workload.
  • Conduct daily briefings, toolbox talks, and shift handovers.
  • Support training, mentoring, and development of team members.
• Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Management
  • Promote and enforce a strong safety culture in line with industry and company standards.
  • Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
  • Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and behavioural safety observations.
  • Ensure safe use of tools, machinery, and lifting equipment.
  • Support incident and near-miss investigations, implementing corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental standards, including waste management and hazardous material handling.
• Quality Assurance
  • Ensure all work meets required technical specifications, standards, and quality requirements.
  • Carry out inspections and checks to ensure a "right first time" approach.
  • Manage non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
  • Support quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Production & Performance
  • Monitor progress against production targets and KPIs.
  • Identify and address any delays, inefficiencies, or resource constraints.
  • Support planning teams to optimise workflow and output.
  • Drive continuous improvement in workshop processes and productivity.
• Resource & Asset Management
  • Manage allocation and utilisation of labour, tools, and equipment.
  • Ensure availability and readiness of materials required for workshop activities.
  • Maintain control of workshop assets, tools, and lifting equipment, ensuring inspection and certification requirements are met.
• Competency & Compliance
  • Ensure all staff are trained, competent, and authorised for the tasks they perform.
  • Maintain records of qualifications, competencies, and certifications.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Ensure accurate completion of job records, inspection reports, and maintenance documentation.
  • Provide regular updates on workshop performance, risks, and issues.
  • Support audits by maintaining clear and accurate records.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a supervisory role within a rail, heavy engineering, or maintenance environment.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance, overhaul, or production processes.
• Understanding of health & safety regulations and safe systems of work.
• Experience managing teams and driving performance.
• Strong problem-solving and decision‑making skills.
• Good communication and organisational abilities.

Qualifications

• Relevant engineering qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely – desirable).
• Lifting operations or safety‑related certifications – desirable.