Are you passionate about the future of rail transport? Do you want to be part of a team that's shaping the next generation of trains using cutting-edge technology? Look no further! Join us as a Head of Production. Our current depot locations are in Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leicester, Newcastle and Norwich offering a wide scope of opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in the UK Rail Industry. The successful candidate will be based at Leicester.
Who we are:
SRSUK is a proud subsidiary of Stadler Rail AG Switzerland. At SRSUK we take pride in delivering high-class services for our modern trains across the UK. Our established presence in passenger rail, combined with our expanding expertise in freight rail, positions us as a leading service supplier in the UK rail industry. We are dedicated to continuous growth and technical innovation, in line with our ambitious business strategy.
Why Join Us:
- Innovative Environment: Working in a fast paced, results orientated environment, you will proactively work alongside your team to ensure services are available.
- Growth and Development: You will be part of a dynamic company committed to the development of our people, offering opportunities for learning and career development.
- Passionate Team: You will manage a dedicated team working diligently to deliver and provide an essential service successfully collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Customer-Centric Approach: You will work effectively to ensure the needs and expectations of our service users are supplied with the highest standards of service.
What We're Looking For:
We're seeking proactive individuals who align with our company KPI's and values. If you are looking to make a difference and deliver high quality service then we want to hear from you.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
Role Overview
This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of fleet production and maintenance activities on a 24/7 basis. Leading production teams and working closely with customers and internal stakeholders, the role focuses on maximising fleet availability, reliability and train presentation while embedding a strong safety culture, delivering contractual KPIs, developing high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement across all operational and engineering activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire the Production team to deliver safe, reliable and efficient fleet operations that meet contractual performance and availability targets.
- Drive a strong safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with quality, environmental and operational standards.
- Manage day-to-day production activities to maximise fleet reliability, availability and train presentation.
- Build, develop and coach high-performing teams through effective leadership, performance management and succession planning.
- Act as the key customer and stakeholder interface for production performance, service delivery and warranty matters.
- Monitor and improve operational performance through KPI management, reporting, root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, optimise maintenance activities and improve operational efficiency.
- Lead investigations into safety, quality and performance issues, ensuring timely resolution and sustainable improvements.
- Foster effective collaboration across operational, engineering and performance teams to achieve business objectives.
- Provide leadership support to the wider site, including deputising for the Head of Location when required and participating in on-call arrangements.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
Experience
- Significant experience within rolling stock maintenance, fleet operations or a large engineering environment.
- Proven track record of leading and developing teams, with at least five years' people management experience.
- Experience managing production, maintenance or operational activities within a transport, rail or engineering setting.
- Strong background in stakeholder engagement, customer management and cross-functional collaboration.
- Experience driving operational performance through KPI management, continuous improvement and root cause investigations.
- Demonstrable experience identifying, assessing and mitigating operational and safety risks.
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop high-performing teams.
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities, particularly in fast-paced operational environments.
- Sound understanding of fleet maintenance, production processes and through-life support principles.
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, quality and risk management practices.
- Ability to analyse complex technical information and translate this into effective operational actions.
- Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Working knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, 5S and other modern production improvement methodologies.
- Competent IT user with good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering, technical or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Technical and managerial qualification(s) or demonstrable experience operating at a comparable level within a production, engineering or rail environment.
YOUR BENEFITS
YOUR CONTACT PERSON
Amelia Hall
Business Support Coordinator
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Head of Production in Leicester employer: Stadler Rail AG
At SRSUK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer in the UK rail industry, particularly for those passionate about shaping the future of rail transport. Our Leicester location offers a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a dedicated team. Join us to be part of a customer-centric environment where your contributions will directly impact the quality of service we provide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Leicester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Stadler Rail AG, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Stadler Rail AG specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stadler Rail AG
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Stadler Rail AG, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Stadler Rail AG value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
