Fleet Operations Manager

Job Introduction

The Fleet Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day activities and management of the Fleet Operations function, which includes leading the Engineering Planning, Materials, Quality, Compliance, Engineer and Train Movements Competency, Fleet Safety and Performance teams.

The post holder provides independent compliance and safety assurance to the Head of Fleet Engineering to ensure that all aspects meet regulatory and legislative requirements.

The Fleet Operations Manager is also responsible for managing the Engineering KPIs and being the focal point within Engineering for communicating Engineering Performance to the wider business.

Role Responsibility

• Lead the Fleet Operations function with responsibility for Engineering Planning, Materials, Quality, Compliance, Engineer and Train Movements Competency, Fleet Safety and Performance.
• Identify Key Performance Indicators that relate to rolling stock delivery and performance and ensure data acquisition and analysis processes are in place that provide information to Senior Managers and the wider business.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the Fleet Engineering department, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Ensure that a comprehensive and coherent Quality Management System is implemented within Engineering that meets the requirements of Southeastern’s Safety Management System, Legislation, Industry Standards and business needs.
• Identify and highlight areas of concern, or the potential for further improvement identified through investigation or audit, ensuring a system is in place for the management of corrective and preventive actions.
• Advise the engineering management team on performance assurance, error reduction and human factors issues. Highlight concerns relating to current performance or opportunities for improvement in reports and at management review meetings
• Responsible for the design and maintenance of a comprehensive and coherent Compliance Management System so that it encompasses quality, fleet safety, rail vehicle certification, regulatory compliance, HSE and competence assurance.
• Maintain a documented Southeastern Competence Management System for Engineering activities and roles that meets the requirements of ROGS regulations and aligns with guidance provided by ORR.
• Ensure that Engineering work activities are carried out in accordance with the Engineering Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Ensure processes are in place to assure the operational safety of Southeastern’s fleet (including Concessions, Engineering Change Control, Risk Review and National Incident Reports (NIRs)). Oversee safety performance monitoring and incident investigation; report to the Engineering Senior Management team recommendations, process improvements and corrective actions as required.
• Act as a point of contact for the Office of Rail Regulation and Rail Accident Investigation Branch as required.  Act as lead incident investigator as required, in line with Southeastern’s Safety Management System and industry best practice
• Represent as a key stakeholder, or as required, Engineering at core business forums concerned with performance and build business relationships concerned with performance management, with internal and external stakeholders and industry partners.
• Act as the Engineering representative at the Fleet User Group.
• Deputise for the Head of Fleet Engineering as/when required.
• Carry out Fleet Recovery Engineer duties as part of an on-call roster.

The Ideal Candidate

To be considered for this role we recommend you demonstrate the below in your application;

• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role in the engineering industry, preferably in the train or transportation sector.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations and standards applicable to the rail industry.
• Able to interpret Traction and Rolling Stock technical standards and Railway Group Standards and assess risks to engineering change. 
• Management and leadership qualification, e.g. ILM level 5 with a minimum of 5 years’ experience at this level.

Package Description

Southeastern recognises the value of every individual employee and offers benefits that reflect this.

As well as a generous salary, we offer an comprehensive benefits package which includes;

• A Contributory Final Salary Pension Scheme 
• Free rail travel on Southeastern and GTR rail services (extends to family members for leisure/educational travel)
• After a qualifying period, reduced rate travel on other train operators, including European services
• Up to 25 days annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays)
• Private healthcare
• Access to an array of discounts for retail and leisure products through our benefits scheme.
• Family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity/paternity leave, parental leave and carers leave.

About the Company

About Southeastern

Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating almost 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 400,000 passengers, serving 176 stations and covering 540 miles of track.

Just over 4,600 employees - mostly from the communities that we serve - work together to provide this vital service and we are looking to expand our successful team. We have a strong set of values that shape the way we run our business and guide our staff in delivering what our customers need. These are:

• We aim to be the best
• We make the difference together
• We care passionately about our people and our passengers

We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a workplace where everyone can come to work, feel safe and comfortable and able to do everything to the best of their ability. Read about some of the great Diversity and Inclusion initiatives our Head of Colleague Experience has been leading on here. 

We recognise the positive value of diversity and it matters to us that our teams reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, you can view our policies and initiatives here.

We have also won the Top Employer award at the Women in Rail Awards 2022!

If you have been unsuccessful in the recruitment process for the same/similar position you will not be eligible to apply for a period of 6 months from that date.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years and any previous railway employment). We will also complete right to work in the UK and criminal record checks. This is to ensure we are employing the best person for the role and to protect our customers, colleagues and our reputation. We are unable to offer sponsorship to work in the UK. 

This post will close before the intended closing date should sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for this role, we suggest that you do so at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.

SOUTHEASTERN is owned by SE Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Department for Transport’s public sector owning group, ‘DOHL.’ DOHL has responsibility for three rail companies, LNER, Northern Trains Limited and SE Trains.

SE Trains Limited