Head of Production

JR United Kingdom; Northampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the UK rail industry as Head of Production. You will oversee maintenance operations, ensuring high-quality fleet performance while driving continuous improvement. With a focus on leadership, you'll manage key contracts and enhance operational efficiencies in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pension

Flexible benefits package

Opportunity to work in the UK rail sector

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of technical teams in safety-critical environments.
• Strong grasp of health & safety legislation and practical applications.
• Experience with continuous improvement tools and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Production Managers to ensure operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with teams and suppliers for timely materials.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean projects.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Health & Safety Knowledge

Education

HND or equivalent in engineering, maintenance, or operations

Job description

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Job Advertisement: Head of Production – Rolling Stock (Northampton)

Benefits: 12.5% - 25% Bonus + £587 car/car allowance per month

? Make your mark on the UK rail industry!

Are you an experienced engineering or operations professional ready for your next challenge? We’re hiring on behalf of our client, a major player in the UK rail sector, for a Head of Production to lead maintenance operations at their Northampton depot.

This is your chance to play a key leadership role in maintaining the safety and performance of the UK’s passenger trains — helping keep the country moving safely and efficiently.

The Role

As Head of Production, you’ll lead a team of Production Managers to deliver high-quality fleet maintenance. You’ll be responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective operations while driving continuous improvement and innovation.

You’ll report to the Fleet Delivery Manager and take ownership of:

• Depot performance and operational efficiency
• Delivery of service-level agreements for high-value contracts
• Production budgets and resource planning
• Health & safety standards and employee engagement
• Operational improvements and change projects

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the development and delivery of short-, medium-, and long-term production plans
• Coordinating with internal teams and suppliers to ensure timely materials and services
• Managing customer expectations and fostering strong senior relationships
• Ensuring contractual availability and driving fleet reliability improvements
• Implementing employee development plans to grow technical and leadership capability
• Driving Lean and continuous improvement projects across operations
• Overseeing strategic programmes including overhauls, modifications, and fleet campaigns

What We’re Looking For

• HND or equivalent in engineering, maintenance, or operations (or relevant experience)
• Proven leadership of technical teams in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment
• Experience with change management and employee relations
• Solid understanding of continuous improvement tools and techniques (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Strong grasp of health & safety legislation and practical application
• Analytical, IT-literate, and confident using performance data to inform decisions

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary and pension
• Flexible benefits package tailored to your lifestyle
• A chance to work on behalf of a respected client at the heart of the UK rail industry
• Be part of a fast-paced, forward-thinking organisation with real impact

Ready to take the next step in your career?

Apply now to join a team that’s shaping the future of UK rail travel.