Lead Operations Manager

Who will you be working with?

We are seeking an experienced Lead Operations Manager to join Wabtec’s Freight Global Services team in Leeds. At Wabtec, we move the world by helping customers deliver goods and services faster and more efficiently. We offer tailored solutions for operating needs, fleet strategy, and business trends, ensuring continued success through multi-year service agreements and adaptable service solutions.

Role: Lead Operations Manager

Salary: £Competitive

Location: Leeds

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

How will you make a difference?

The goal of this role is to manage the delivery of service operations for the Powerhaul locomotive fleet, supporting key UK customers to expertly manage and execute the repair and overhaul program for major Wabtec-built freight locomotive components, ensuring top-notch service for Wabtec Freight’s customers.

What will your typical day look like?

• Lead the delivery and execution of the MSA contract, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and contractual obligations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day operations with UK-based customers.
• Coordinate and oversee engine and component overhauls, working with internal and external service partners to meet quality, cost, and time objectives.
• Manage service logistics, including inventory control, material planning, and spare parts availability.
• Monitor and manage contract-related KPIs, reporting on service performance and proactively addressing deviations.
• Ensure compliance with all administrative, safety, and regulatory requirements related to fleet operations and maintenance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance) to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance operations and customer support.

What do we want to know about you?

• Proven track record in operational or service delivery management, preferably within the rail, industrial, energy, or heavy engineering sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex service contracts and coordinating field operations in a customer-facing role.
• Strong knowledge of project planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination.
• High attention to detail in managing administration, compliance, and reporting obligations.
• Ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and with external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence, manage conflict, and represent the company at a senior level.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the UK to customer and operational sites.

If you don’t have all the above criteria don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values and always put people first and strive to expand what is possible.

Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

*Please note that we do not accept agency candidate submissions without a formalised agreement with Wabtec Talent Acquisition. If you are an agency/third party Recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if you submit a candidate to the applicant tracking system that is ultimately hired.

Apply today!

Who are we?

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.

Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers’ potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world. We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 27K employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit our website to learn more!

Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:

Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.

To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives and recognize that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.

We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.