Leading the Way in Fleet Excellence

We are looking for a dynamic Head of Fleet and Engineering to ensure our train service providers deliver a safe, reliable, and clean fleet, always in the right place at the right time, and at the best value. This leadership role is all about strategically defining and implementing supplier management principles to offer value and protection to Avanti West Coast.

As the Head of Fleet and Engineering, you will play a crucial role within the Avanti West Coast Safety Management System. You will lead and direct the delivery of our rolling stock fleets, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and clean. This involves working closely with our Rolling Stock Leasing Companies and Train Service Providers to meet the needs of the Avanti West Coast business.

Key Accountabilities:

• Fleet Delivery and Management: Lead the delivery of rolling stock fleets, ensuring safety, reliability, and cleanliness through Train Service Providers and Rolling Stock Leasing Companies.
• Contract and Compliance Oversight: Manage high-value contracts with Train Service Providers and Rolling Stock Lease Companies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Performance Reporting and Budget Management: Ensure effective fleet performance reporting and efficient budget management, seeking value improvement opportunities.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Lead the Fleet and Engineering Team, collaborate with industry partners for continuous improvement, and contribute expert engineering advice to the Senior Management Team.

Who we're looking for:

• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of UK rolling stock operations, standards, and regulations.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills, enabling clear and effective interactions. Strong collaboration abilities to work seamlessly with various stakeholders.
• Industry Experience: Extensive senior management experience in managing UK rolling stock with proven track record in managing suppliers and maintaining strong relationships.
• Qualifications: Educated to degree level, preferably an engineer/management discipline, or relevant experience in railway industry.
• Continuous Improvements: The ability to problem solve, implement change and lead improvements within the workplace.

Please see role profile attached for more information.

Benefits include:

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

Apply now and be part of a team that's dedicated to creating an outstanding workplace culture.

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us unique! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are welcomed, recognised, accepted and put to good use!