Head of Engineering - North East

Arriva Plc; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company is seeking an experienced engineering leader to oversee multiple depots and a large workforce in Tees Valley. This pivotal role ensures that the fleet operates safely and efficiently while supporting the company's commitment to excellent service. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fleet maintenance and strong leadership skills to drive performance improvements. Benefits include a competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Performance bonus

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a multi-site or regional setting.
• Strong technical expertise in fleet maintenance sectors.
• Excellent coaching abilities for team development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering operations in the North East region.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and vehicle safety.
• Drive productivity improvements and manage budgets.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Fleet maintenance knowledge

People management

Cost control

Stakeholder management

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent engineering qualification

Job description

This is a pivotal leadership role, overseeing multiple depots and a large workforce of engineers and technicians. You'll play a key part in ensuring our fleet runs safely, reliably, and efficiently, supporting our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers and local communities every day.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple engineering sites within the North East region.
• Ensure delivery of robust engineering standards, including vehicle safety, reliability, and compliance.
• Drive performance improvements in productivity, cost efficiency, and asset utilisation.
• Develop and empower Depot Engineering Managers to build engaged, high‑performing teams.
• Lead on fleet modernisation, sustainability initiatives, and new technology integration.
• Manage budgets, maintenance planning, and performance reporting in line with company KPIs.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and safety‑first operations.
• Partner with Operations and Commercial teams to ensure engineering supports wider business goals.

Qualifications

• A proven engineering leader with multi‑site or regional management experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of fleet maintenance (bus, coach, rail, HGV, or related sector).
• Excellent people leadership and coaching skills – able to engage, motivate, and develop teams.
• Commercially astute, with a track record of improving performance, cost control, and efficiency.
• Passionate about safety, quality, and customer service.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills at all levels.
• Relevant engineering qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent) desirable; management training advantageous.

Benefits

• Opportunity to shape and modernise engineering operations across a key region.
• Collaborative culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive salary, car allowance, and performance bonus.
• Excellent benefits package and ongoing professional development.

If you’re ready to lead from the front, inspire your teams, and make a lasting impact across the North East engineering network – we’d love to hear from you.