Engineering manager

Arriva Kent Thameside Limited; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport operator is looking for an Engineering Manager in Hemel Hempstead. In this high-impact leadership role, you will oversee engineering operations, ensuring fleet performance and compliance with safety regulations while managing a multidisciplinary team and driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong background in engineering, ideally in bus or HGV sectors.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Deep understanding of fleet management and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and maintenance activities to meet performance targets.
• Ensure fleet reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Manage workforce planning and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Awareness

Operational Improvement

Job description

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Engineering Manager – Hemel Hempstead
Salary: £64,000 per annum + Company Car

Why Join Arriva?

This is a standout opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role at one of the UK’s leading transport operators. As Engineering Manager at our Hemel Hempstead depot, you’ll directly influence fleet performance and service reliability. At Arriva, we believe in empowering our teams, fostering innovation, and driving continuous improvement. If you’re passionate about engineering excellence, operational leadership, and making a real difference—this is your next move.

The Role

As Engineering Manager, you’ll take full ownership of engineering operations, leading a skilled team and ensuring the depot runs efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with regulatory and company standards. You'll be responsible for delivering against KPIs, improving fleet availability, and contributing to business-wide improvement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Operations

Lead all engineering and maintenance activities, ensuring delivery of performance and service targets

Maintain fleet reliability, safety, and legal compliance to the highest standards

Leadership & Team Development

Inspire, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary team including engineers, team leaders, apprentices, storekeepers, and admin staff

Manage workforce planning, shift allocation, and staff development to build a high-performing team

Oversee depot-level P&L, budgeting, and forecasting

Drive cost efficiency and reduce lost mileage through proactive planning and resource management

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and O-Licence regulations

Conduct regular audits and maintain rigorous safety practices across the depot

Training & Development

Implement and deliver technical training programs

Ensure all audit trails and compliance documentation meet legal and corporate standards

Drive lean methodologies and operational improvements

Identify and act on opportunities to boost productivity and reduce waste

Customer Service & Fleet Availability

Ensure vehicle availability consistently meets or exceeds peak service demand

Monitor breakdown trends and implement effective corrective action plans

Reporting & Analysis

Deliver accurate, timely operational reports (daily, weekly, period-end)

Track depot performance against key KPIs and provide data-driven insights

Talent & Recruitment

Lead recruitment and onboarding for depot engineering roles

Embed a strong performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and performance management

What You’ll Bring

A strong background in engineering, ideally within the bus or HGV sector

Proven experience in leading technical teams within a dynamic operational environment

Deep understanding of fleet management, maintenance planning, and workshop operations

Strong financial and commercial awareness, including P&L responsibility

Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills

In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and regulatory frameworks

A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation

Additional Information

This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the Engineering Manager role. However, responsibilities may evolve in line with future business needs or individual development. The successful candidate may also be asked to undertake additional duties, as reasonably required by their manager.