Chief of Development

Alstom; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alstom is recruiting a Chief of Development to lead the innovation, design and delivery of transformative rail technologies for a major UK rolling stock contract based in Derby. You will act as the customer-facing technical authority, ensuring contractual compliance and QCD targets across development work packages.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams across sites to secure deliverables, drive scalable development strategies, and integrate emerging technologies.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in complex engineering programmes.
• Proven ability to drive QCD targets across multi-site projects.
• Strong stakeholder management in multicultural environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development work packages and technical authority activities.
• Ensure contractual compliance and progress reporting.
• Lead cross-functional teams across sites and platforms.
• Drive innovative development strategies and risk mitigation.
• Champion reliability and quality assurance across all phases.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

QCD management

Risk mitigation

Problem solving

Education

Degree in engineering, business, or equivalent

Job description

Join us as Chief of Development and lead the innovation, design, and delivery of transformative rail technologies that will define the next generation of mobility. Note: This opportunity relates to a major UK rolling stock contract based in Derby. The role is being recruited in anticipation of the contract award, and any appointment will be conditional upon Alstom being awarded the contract. Further details, including anticipated start dates, will be discussed with candidates as the recruitment process progresses.

• Partner with the Project Manager/Director and project team as the customer-facing technical authority, ensuring contractual compliance, train-level Development Work Package QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) and progress reporting.
• Own development work packages, QCD objectives, technical compliance, progress reporting and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate project teams, sites and product platforms to secure deliverables, resolve technical gaps and drive key decisions.
• Drive scalable development strategies to support large-scale, multi-site rail projects and future-proof our technology portfolio.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between engineering, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Champion reliability by implementing robust quality assurance frameworks and risk mitigation processes across all development phases.
• Lead innovation initiatives, integrating emerging technologies and best practices to maintain Alstom's industry leadership.

You’ll work with sharp, committed teams solving complex challenges that shape the future of mobility, ensuring seamless integration of business and technology.

Key Skills

• Skilled at solving complex problems and making timely, effective decisions.
• Strong leadership skills to lead teams around technical direction and QCD targets.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional activities and diverse stakeholders in multicultural environments.
• Drives Operational Excellence principles and ways of working across development activities.
• Degree in engineering, business, or equivalent experience.

How Success Is Measured

• Achievement of project delivery timelines and alignment with strategic business goals.
• Strength of cross-functional collaboration and effectiveness in team leadership.
• Reduction in defects, operational risks, and continuous improvement in development efficiency.

More Than a Job: A Mission

At Alstom, we build what millions depend on daily - rail transportation systems that can't afford to fail. We're more than 85,000 people worldwide creating the industry's most diverse portfolio: high-speed trains, metros, trams, maintenance services and integrated systems.