Fleet Operations Manager - Rolling Stock

Lord Search & Selection; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a capable Fleet Operations Manager to oversee the delivery of rail maintenance services. The role involves leading a field services team, ensuring safety and performance standards, and managing resources effectively. Candidates should have significant experience in service-based rail operations, strong leadership capabilities, and excellent IT proficiency. The company offers competitive salary packages, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development and further leadership training

Highly competitive salary

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing service-based rail operations.
• Strong knowledge of safety management practices.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated field services team and coordinate third-party suppliers.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Produce performance reports and manage maintenance records.

Skills

Team Leadership

Safety Management

Communication

Analytical Skills

Planning

Decision-Making

Proactive Service Delivery

IT Proficiency (MS Word, Excel)

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent in rail, engineering, or service operations

Tools

SAGE

Equinox

Maintenance Management Systems (MMS)

Job description

About the Role

Highly capable Fleet Operations Manager to lead and manage the safe, efficient delivery of field-based maintenance contracts. This is a key safety-critical role responsible for overseeing daily operations, coordinating third-party service providers, and ensuring contractual obligations are met in line with the highest safety and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated field services team and coordinate third-party suppliers to deliver planned and reactive maintenance

• Champion a Safety First culture across all operations, setting the tone and leading by example

• Act as the day-to-day interface with customers, their depot teams, service providers, and internal stakeholders

• Ensure contract obligations are met through effective deployment of staff and resources

• Manage resource planning, staff competencies, performance, and on-call coverage

• Oversee tooling and materials availability in collaboration with internal support teams and the customer

• Produce accurate and timely performance reports for both customer and internal governance

• Maintain compliance through effective management of maintenance records within the Maintenance Management System (MMS)

• Establish and optimise daily governance routines and drive continuous improvement

• Support the resolution of customer concerns and contribute to contract planning, reforecasting, and budgeting

Key Skills & Experience Essential

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing service-based rail operations, with direct team leadership responsibility

• Strong knowledge of safety management practices

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

• Experience in solving operational issues through structured, practical solutions

• Strong planning, analytical, and decision-making skills

• Resilient and confident under pressure, with a proactive approach to service delivery

• Competent IT user proficient with MS Word, Excel, and third-party maintenance management systems

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with SAGE, Equinox, or other business systems/ERP solutions

• Background in continuous improvement within maintenance operations

• Experience managing third-party supply/service contracts (e.g., engine support)

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or equivalent in rail, engineering, or service operations (minimum)

• Project Management and/or Leadership Training desirable

Why Join

• Play a pivotal role in delivering first-class rail maintenance services

• Work with a collaborative and safety-focused team

• Opportunities for career development and further leadership training

• Highly competitive salary, benefits and career progression