As part of The Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Fleet Operations Manager, on a full-time, permanent basis based across our various WMT depot locations.

You will be responsible for the safe and punctual rolling stock operations at Fleet depots. Reporting to the Head of Fleet Production, the role is also accountable for the day to day management of all Operations Team staff, including Shunters and Team Leaders based at Tyseley specifically but supporting the Depot Managers at the outstations to ensure standarisation and consistency across fleet operations.

What does the job involve?

• Lead, support, motivate, mentor and direct Depot Operations Teams to deliver planned workload.
• Ensure that the depot track, points and signalling equipment is maintained to an adequate standard and any staff concerns are addressed through the track maintainer.
• Ensure Operations staff maintain effective and documented competence levels through the development of training plans, regular monitoring and audit of training and competency needs.
• Working with the Operations Standards team, ensure that the Operations Competency Management system is maintained to railway group and business standards.
• Ensure all operational procedures are up to date, valid, controlled and adhered to by all staff.
• Support, develop, deliver, and maintain a Fleet Train Driver program across various locations within the business, as instructed by the Fleet / Engineering Director and manage all aspects of its CMS thereafter.
• Responsible for performance appraisal process in support of business strategy and budget targets. Robustly manage the Operations budget.
• Monitor and control absence, disciplinary, training, PPE requirements and adherence to D & A policy. Ensure all staff carry out their duties in a safe and efficient manner, both for staff under direct control and those under the depot managers.
• Support the company in the effective, efficient and safe management of the depot, including all QHSE processes. Generate communications relating to operational issues to the depot where appropriate.
• Responsible for all production staff involved in vehicle operations and maintenance to be trained in the necessary protection and movement procedures and are competent and compliant.
• Ensure a strong Union relationship at a local level, managing local industrial relations risks.
• To form strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, to ensure the needs of the depot are represented across the broader company functions, and vice versa.
• Monitor the performance of the Depot Operations Team, ensuring and delays due to Operations activities are investigated.  

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• Extensive Fleet and Operational experience and knowledge in the management of safe systems of work in relation to the movement of trains on depots and outstations.
• Educated to a Degree level in an operational, business or management discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in Trade Union engagement, including local TU relationships, negotiation and challenging discussion.
• A visionary leader who is able to look beyond day to day operations for improvements and inspire and motivate teams to achieve their potential
• You will have extensive practical operations management experience in a successful engineering environment. Knowledge of production engineering systems, financial and contract management systems will also be highly beneficial for success.
• Strong experience of people management in a unionised production environment. Experience of managing a close relationship with Trade Unions, holding challenging conversations, negotiating and adapting to different people requirements.
• Demonstrable experience of asset performance regimes management, including financial acumen and budgetary management.
• A strong communicator with the proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent written, verbal and numerical skills.
• Demonstrable experience in contractual areas of commercial acumen and an ability to manage and negotiate contracts with clients and suppliers.
• Experience of railway rolling stock operational management including planning and depot beat rates and technical discipline is essential.
• IOSHH, NEBOSH or an equivalent health and safety qualification would be advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a safety critical function, including operational Competency Management Systems (CMS), incident management, incident and accident investigation and operational procedural documentation.
• This role carries on-call responsibility

What are the salary and benefits?

• Competitive salary + Excellent benefits
• Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.