Depot Manager (Chester)

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Depot Manager will lead the Production Team in safely, effectively, and efficiently maintaining the fleet, ensuring compliance with the maintenance plan, adherence to budget, and consistent achievement of fleet availability goals.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the successful operational performance and efficiency of the Wales and Borders Designated Depots. This includes ensuring all facilities are properly maintained and run smoothly without impacting operations, securing resource availability and coordination, implementing and enforcing robust depot procedures, fostering staff engagement, and maintaining and continuously improving the Safety, Health, and Environment standards for all stakeholders.

Your daily duties will include:

• Ensure that all staff comply with Health & Safety (H&S) regulations, policies, and procedures, fostering a strong safety culture across the depots.

• Maintain a deep understanding of contractual clauses related to fleet availability, reliability, and the Performance Regime, making informed decisions and taking necessary actions to protect the company’s interests based on this knowledge.

• Lead discussions and negotiations with trade union representatives in coordination with the Operations Manager, ensuring the Company's interests are protected and the Project's benefit is secured.

• Oversee the planning and execution of major repairs and modifications, ensuring compliance with budget constraints, deadlines, contractual obligations, and CAF procedures.

• Ensure the availability and coordination of adequate resources to meet maintenance plan requirements. Manage resource reallocation, overtime within budget constraints, and escalate issues as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with CAF Rail UK policies and guidelines, including monitoring attendance and working hours in the production team warehouse, conducting return-to-work interviews, and overseeing investigations or disciplinary actions.

• Ensure that CAF Rail UK’s Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) license is obtained and maintained.

• Be available for occasional travel to any designated depot as needed.

What will make you successful in this position?

To succeed in this role you will need:

• Level 6 Engineering Degree or higher. Exceptionally strong relevant experience may be considered.
• IOSH Certification
• Previous relevant experience in a similar role within the rail industry.
• Strong knowledge of depot maintenance procedures.
• Good understanding of railway standards.
• At least three years of experience in operations.
• At least three years of experience in production planning and people management.
• At least three years of experience in an engineering or rail environment.
• Proven experience in managing and engaging technical teams to deliver results within a time-critical operation.
• Experience in managing change and employee relations.
• Experience of understanding and working within commercial contracts, delivering best value for the organisation.