Production Supervisor (Caf Uk Overhaul Facility, Manchester)

Caf Rail Uk Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

CAF Rail UK Limited in Manchester is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead technicians on the shop floor during overhaul of major components such as bogies, wheelsets, traction motors, gearboxes and more. You will report to the Production Manager and ensure safety, quality, organization, delivery and efficiency targets are met through day-to-day supervision.

You will embed a strong safety culture, maintain 5S standards, support meeting KPIs, liaise with Engineering and Materials, and drive

Qualifications

• 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 environment.
• Strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality outputs against deadlines.
• Demonstrated competence in production processes and workshop operations.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing / continuous improvement principles desirable.
• 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 and on time.
• Supervise daily work, provide clear direction and resolve issues as they arise.
• Conduct toolbox talks and safety briefings in line with the production plan.
• Ensure technicians are trained and working according to instructions, BOMs and risk assessments.
• Monitor performance, conduct competency assessments and support development.
• Maintain 5S standards and cleanliness across workshop and associated areas.
• Support Production Manager in meeting KPIs for output, quality and efficiency.
• Liaise with Engineering and Materials to address technical or supply issues.
• Escalate risks, delays or quality concerns promptly to production leadership.
• Promote accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement across technicians.
• Maintain accurate reporting and handovers to ensure continuity across shifts.
• Manage manpower and leave to ensure production plans are met.

Skills

Team leadership

Safety management

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Problem solving

Education

NVQ Level 3 in electrical/mechanical

IOSH Managing Safely

Tools

MS Office

ERP/CMMS (GMAO, SAP)

Job description

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).