Head of Production

Head of Production - Stoke on Trent

Are you a dynamic leader ready to take on a new challenge? If so, we are seeking a Head of Operations, who will play a crucial part in leading and coordinating UK and EU based teams in the repair, overhaul and maintenance activities of our locomotive fleet, to ensure our rail freight customer's expectations are met. Progress Rail - Electro Motive Diesel is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, specialized in manufacturing, maintaining and overhauling diesel-electric locomotives across the world. Electro-Motive Diesel is a growing power in its market here in the UK and increasingly, around the world. For more than half a century, Electro-Motive Diesel has hauled freight and passengers, powered ships, and generated electricity for over 100 countries around the globe.

Do you enjoy challenging the status quo and bringing in new ideas to progress the company forward? Do you pride yourself in your collaborative and stakeholder management skills? Are you process-driven and technically minded? This is a unique opportunity to work with an exciting piece of heavy engineering, ideal for a seasoned manager with engineering / project management background and sound commercial acumen. You will join a fast-paced environment and be well-practiced in efficiently delivering contractual requirements through your team members.

The role will include:

• Leading and coordinating EMDL's production teams in the repair and overhaul of locomotives and engines safely and reliably following the Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery principles.
• Coordinating the component overhaul function and strategic delivery of Full Service Provision maintenance contracts.
• Providing strategic development of the capability and overall efficiency of the delivery of each of the teams with a strong focus on lean principles and continuous improvement methods.
• Acting as a key interface between the various production teams across the UK and Continental Europe as well as the Customer Account Management Team to ensure customers' expectations are matched to the production team's capacity and capability to deliver.
• Developing, delivering and maintaining a culture of professionalism and best practice for rolling stock maintenance and overhaul through the cycle of continuous improvement; including people, tools and processes.
• Developing and driving a high performing team through clear communication, skill development, a positive and inclusive work environment and high engagement levels
• Acting as a role model, leading by example

What we would need you to bring to the role:

• Proven track record in executive/senior management positions within a production/operations/engineering environment, ideally in the railway environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, inspire and develop a high performing and multi-layered team of complex and culturally diverse team members.
• Proven experience in delivering large cross functional projects, with an understanding of risk management and mitigation.
• Demonstrable experience in building a continuous improvement culture and delivery of savings due to the elimination of waste.
• Long term strategic planning and tactical thinking.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to influence and direct decision making at all levels.
• Well organised with a thorough, disciplined and detailed approach to task prioritisation and completion.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in an engineering or operational management discipline.
• BTEC National Certificate HNC in Engineering or equivalent.
• NEBOSH Health and Safety Qualifications (or actively working towards).
• Continuous Improvement qualification or practical experience.
• Proven project management/delivery or formal qualification.
• Member of recognised institute or professional body (IOD/IMECHE/IRO etc.)

We can offer you:

• Competitive salary + performance related bonus
• Enhanced holiday entitlement (25 days + 8 Bank holidays)
• Enhanced pension contributions & life assurance
• Company sick pay & a Medical benefit salary sacrifice scheme
• Employee assistance program
• Retail & fuel discounts
• A supportive & friendly work environment
• Ample network opportunities and exposure to diverse customers and rail infrastructures

To Apply: Please press the 'Apply' button, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 28 days. Thank you for your interest in the role.

This may be of interest to: Operations Manager, Engineering Manager, Manufacturing, Production, Rail Industry, Railway, Train, Head of Engineering, Coal, Oil, Gas, Automotive, Car, Steel, Logistics, Freight, Distribution, Staffordshire