Production Manager (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester)

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 Production Manager is the leader of the production operations for major component overhauls — including bogies, wheelsets, traction motors, gearboxes, couplers, PWPs and HVAC systems. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the production team, ensuring that safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery targets are consistently met. Also responsible for ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, organization and 5S on the shop floor. Reporting directly to the Head of UK Overhaul, the Production Manager will play a key role in the setup of this brand-new CAF Project in the UK. 

The role involves close coordination with Engineering, Materials department, and clients. Also, many other support departments such as HSQE, Supply Chain, etc, and contractors or external suppliers. During the setup phase of the facility, the PM will play a key role in reviewing and supporting the layout design, specifying equipment, tools, and systems. Also ensuring the operational team receives robust training on the procedures, instructions, and know the BOMs of the applicable activities and tasks. Coordination with other CAF departments and international facilities will be essential to benchmark best practices and support the mobilization phase.

Your daily duties will include:

• Lead and develop the operational team, fostering a culture of safety, organization, accountability, and excellence.
• Ensure all work complies with CAF HSQE policies, safety & quality regulations, and rail industry standards.
• Prepare the production plan in line with the overhaul demand by liaising with CAF projects and other departments. Support the materials team and services planning.
• Support Health and Safety Advisor to produce and review RAMS and other site-specific method statements. Also to get certifications (ISO, RISAS, etc).
• Maintain rigorous 5S standards and promote continuous improvement in line with Lean Manufacturing (RS Next) across the shop floor.
• Deliver production and maintenance targets across all processes involved in the overhaul of assets.
• Undertake and support internal and external audits when required. Actively participate HSQE inspections and audits.
• Maintain a deep understanding of contractual clauses related to overhaul facility, making informed decisions and taking necessary actions to protect the company's interests.
• Oversee and participate in the depot interfaces, design, layout, systems, and facilities to ensure compatibility with the required maintenance and production activities.
• Provide support and advice to the project regarding maintenance and production activities. Including during the initial setup of operations.
• Monitor KPI performance, generate reports, and ensure adherence to agreed work scopes and timelines.
• Undertake CAF, OEM, client, and any other necessary training needed to perform the activities. Self-taught all CAF applicable systems (GMAO, Visplan, Geminys, etc).
• Support any other business activities, audits and initiatives that align with the project scope and the qualifications of the Production Manager.

What salary will you be paid for this position?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary in the region of £64,000 per annum.  

What will make you successful in this position?

To succeed in this role you will need:

• Level 4/5 in Engineering Degree is desirable. Exceptionally level 3 in Engineering with strong and relevant experience may also be considered.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent At least 5 years of experience in production and people management in a heavy engineering or rail environment
• Proven experience in planning, leadership, and delivering high-quality outputs on time
• Familiarity with component overhauls, depot maintenance, or workshop operations
• Experience in setting up or scaling up production environments is desirable
• Proficient in MS Office and ERP/CMMS systems (e.g. GMAO, SAP, etc.)
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is highly desirable.
• Familiarity in Total Productive Maintenance and Autonomous Maintenance is desirable.