Workshop Manager

Workshop Manager

Full-Time 57000 - 67000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations in a fast-paced rail production facility.
  • Company: Join a well-established rail engineering services provider in Derby.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, electric car scheme, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent team culture and rewards.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business focused on safety and operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in rail or heavy engineering leadership roles required.

The predicted salary is between 57000 - 67000 £ per year.

£57,000 - £67,000 + 33 Days Holiday + EV Car Scheme + Development + Company Benefits

Certain Advantage is hiring for a Workshop Manager based in Derby. This role is on a permanent basis and is primarily site‑based, leading the day‑to‑day operations of a fast‑paced rail production and refurbishment facility.

Are you a Workshop Manager or an experienced leader with a background in Rail, Heavy Engineering, or Heavy Industrial environments, looking for a pivotal role driving production, safety, and operational excellence, for a growing business which promotes ongoing development? Do you want to join a highly successful rail services business where you will act as the key operational lead, coordinating resources, managing risks, and leading a dedicated production team, with a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to impact the ongoing success and growth of the business?

The Company

We are working with a well‑established rail engineering services provider based in Derby. With an expanding pipeline of work and a focus on safety, quality, and environmental excellence, the business is seeking a strong operational leader to manage, optimise, and safely drive their rail production and workshop facilities.

The Role

This role is for a Workshop Manager with a background in Rail or Heavy Engineering, taking full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the site. You will lead day‑to‑day site activities, ensuring production targets and schedule adherence are met while driving excellence across safety, quality, and resource management.

Day to Day

  • Lead and oversee all site operations within the rail facility, ensuring activities are delivered safely, on time, and to required standards.
  • Manage and coordinate safe, controlled, and timely vehicle movements within production and testing areas.
  • Ensure efficient scheduling and coordination of all T2 production activities, monitoring progress against plans and adjusting priorities to meet delivery targets.
  • Allocate and optimise the workforce and equipment, balancing resources across shifts to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime.
  • Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, including preparing, reviewing, and approving RAMS and lifting plans.
  • Ensure all personnel are suitably trained, competent, and authorised for their roles, maintaining up‑to‑date qualification records.
  • Drive a right first time culture across the site, supporting inspections, testing, validation, and addressing non‑conformances.
  • Conduct regular site audits and inspections to ensure total readiness for internal and external audits.
  • Oversee material requests and coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure timely availability and avoid production delays.
  • Manage site KPI reporting accuracy, including planning accuracy, schedule adherence (OTD), and ERP/work order data integrity.

The Individual

  • Proven experience in a Workshop Manager or similar leadership/site management role.
  • Background within Rail, Heavy Engineering, or a Heavy Industrial production environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership and resource management skills, with a track record of balancing shifts and driving team performance.

Benefits

  • Employee Electric Car Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Annual Salary Reviews & Pension Contributions
  • Monthly Rewards & Recognition
  • Long Service Awards & Gift Vouchers
  • 33 Days Holiday (increasing with service)
  • On‑Site Treats & Company Socials
  • Career Development & Company Sponsored Training Courses
  • Free Eye Test & Specs Vouchers
  • Free On‑site Parking
  • Holiday Trading Scheme
  • Employment Discount Schemes (Savings on High Street, Gyms, Tech, Restaurants, and Travel)
  • Employee Assistance Programme

Workshop Manager employer: Tatton Recruitment

Join a leading rail engineering services provider in Derby, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety, quality, and employee development. With an impressive benefits package including 33 days of holiday, an electric car scheme, and opportunities for career advancement, this company fosters a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth. Be part of a team that is committed to operational excellence and making a meaningful impact in the rail industry.

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Contact Details:

Tatton Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail and heavy engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for rail production and how your leadership skills can drive their success.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your achievements in safety, efficiency, and team management to make a lasting impression.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Workshop Manager

Leadership Skills
Resource Management
Safety Management
Production Scheduling
Operational Excellence
Team Performance Management
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Workshop Manager role. Highlight your experience in rail or heavy engineering, and showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven production and safety in previous positions. We love a good story that shows your impact!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your leadership and resource management skills. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams and balanced resources in a fast-paced environment. We’re keen to see how you can lead our dedicated production team!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tatton Recruitment

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of rail production and heavy engineering. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry standards, safety regulations, and operational excellence practices. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them while promoting a strong safety culture. Be ready to discuss how you manage resources and drive team performance.

Understand the Company Culture

Research the company’s values and mission. Knowing their focus on safety, quality, and environmental excellence will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company as a whole.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their current projects, future goals, or how they measure success in the workshop. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.