Fleet Operations & Maintenance Leader

South Western News UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR

Free leisure travel for spouse/partner

75% discount on other train companies

Full training and development support

Excellent pension scheme

Job summary

South Western Railway is seeking a Head of Fleet Operations and Maintenance to lead maintenance centres, operations and outstations, driving fleet performance and reliability. You will champion a safety-first culture, digital adoption, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver value and customer-focused service across the network.

The role demands strategic leadership, strong financial acumen, and a commitment to developing a high-performing, inclusive team.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in engineering or business.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisation, communication and delivery capabilities.
• Commercial awareness and negotiation at all levels.
• Ability to inspire and develop others and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Safety and performance: ensure safety and improve train performance, punctuality and reliability.
• Innovation and Technology: lead digital adoption and data-driven maintenance strategies.
• External and Internal Stakeholder Engagement: represent the fleet function at senior levels with partners and regulators.
• Our People: build an inclusive, high-performing team culture and focus on engagement and development.
• Financial Sustainability: drive cost efficiencies and support Opex/Capex planning.
• Change Leadership: steer through industry transformation and integration activities.
• Customer: deliver high-quality, reliable, well-presented fleet to enhance journeys.
• Sustainability and Social Value: reduce environmental impact and strengthen community value.
• Business and Partnerships: collaborate across functions to meet KPIs and reporting needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Organisation

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Financial acumen

People development

Education

Degree in engineering or business

Job description

South Western Railway is seeking a Head of Fleet Operations and Maintenance to lead maintenance centres, operations and outstations, driving fleet performance and reliability. You will champion a safety-first culture, digital adoption, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver value and customer-focused service across the network.

The role demands strategic leadership, strong financial acumen, and a commitment to developing a high-performing, inclusive team.