Production Supervisor (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester)

CAF Rail UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Excellent workplace pension scheme

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Paid volunteering days

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Production Supervisor in Manchester to lead a team of technicians through overhaul work on major components. You will ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery while maintaining CAF standards and lean execution on the shop floor.

You will oversee daily planning, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement, with a focus on 5S, training, and efficient production processes. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant electrical or mechanical discipline.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) desirable.
• Proven experience supervising or leading teams in heavy engineering / rail environments.
• Strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality outputs against deadlines.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing / continuous improvement principles.
• Proficient in MS Office and workshop systems (ERP/CMMS, e.g. GMAO, SAP).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of technicians on the shop floor to deliver overhaul tasks safely, on time, and to quality standards.
• Supervise day-to-day work on the shop floor, provide direction, and resolve issues.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and daily work allocation in line with the production plan.
• Ensure technicians are trained and working according to work instructions, BOMs, and risk assessments.
• Monitor performance, carry out competency assessments, and support individual development.
• Maintain 5S standards and drive continuous improvement aligned with CAF lean principles.
• Support Production Manager in meeting KPIs (output, quality, rework, efficiency).
• Liaise with Engineering and Materials to address issues impacting the production schedule.
• Escalate risks or quality concerns promptly and promote accountability and teamwork.

Skills

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

Production processes

Workshop operations

MS Office

ERP/CMMS

SAP

Education

NVQ Level 3 in electrical/mechanical

Tools

ERP/CMMS

GMAO

SAP

Job description

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Date: 28 Oct 2026

Company: CAF Rail UK

Location:

MANCHESTER, GB, M40 2BA

ABOUT CAF

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers.

Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be!

We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way.

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment:You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development:Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy:We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability:CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology:You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading and managing technicians on the shop floor in the overhaul of major components, including bogies, wheelsets, traction motors, gearboxes, couplers, PWPs, HVAC systems, etc. Reporting to the Production Manager, this role ensures that safety, quality, organization, delivery, and efficiency targets are met through effective day-to-day supervision of production activities.

The Production Supervisor acts as the front-line leader for the technicians on the shop floor, ensuring compliance with CAF standards, rail industry regulations, and HSQE requirements.

The role is pivotal in embedding a strong safety culture, maintaining 5S standards, achieve the production targets and driving continuous improvement in line with CAF’s lean principles.

Your daily duties will include:

• Lead and manage a team of technicians in line with HR policies/procedures to deliver overhaul tasks safely, on time, and to the required quality standards.
• Supervise and monitor day-to-day work on the shop floor, providing clear direction and resolving issues as they arise.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and daily work allocation in line with the production plan.
• Ensure technicians are trained, competent, and working in accordance with work instructions, BOMs, and risk assessments.
• Monitor technician performance, conduct competency assessments, and support individual development.
• Drive high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and 5S across the workshop and messing areas (changing room, canteen, etc).
• Support the Production Manager in meeting production KPIs (output, quality, rework, efficiency).
• Liaise with Engineering and Materials teams to address technical or supply issues that impact the production schedule.
• Escalate risks, delays, or quality concerns promptly to the Production Manager in a timely manner.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement among technicians.
• Maintain accurate reporting and handovers to ensure continuity across shifts and the production processes.
• Ensure the required manpower is available to comply with the production plan by managing the annual leave of the technicians and other absence.
• Support any other business activities, audits and initiatives that align with the project scope and the qualifications of the Production Supervisor.

What salary will you be paid for this role?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary of £50,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

To succeed in this role you will need:

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant electrical/mechanical discipline.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) desirable.
• Proven experience supervising or leading teams in a heavy engineering, rail, automotive, or aerospace environment.
• Strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality outputs against deadlines.
• Demonstrated competence in production processes, team management, and workshop operations.
• Experience of applying Lean Manufacturing / continuous improvement principles desirable.
• Proficient in MS Office and workshop systems (ERP/CMMS, e.g. GMAO, SAP).

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!

Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF.

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree-planting, company-wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!