Rail Fleet Maintenance Planner

CV Bay; Ilkeston; Hybrid; GBP 51,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Fleet Maintenance Planner to lead the maintenance of a diverse fleet of locomotives. This hands-off engineering management role is perfect for those with extensive experience in rail, aerospace, or similar sectors. You will be responsible for asset management, identifying root causes of faults, and implementing strategic improvements. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will directly impact locomotive reliability and performance while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment and an excellent benefits package.

Benefits

34 days annual leave

Private Healthcare & Dental options

Company pension scheme

Company van

Flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience managing heavy machinery or fleet assets.
• Strong understanding of asset management and maintenance planning.

Responsibilities

• Assess asset performance and recommend engineering improvements.
• Plan and manage fleet maintenance to ensure compliance and reliability.

Skills

Asset Management Principles

Data Analysis

Technical Issue Diagnosis

Engineering Management

Compliance and Safety Knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 3+ in Engineering

Tools

Asset Management Software (e.g., Q-Pulse)

Job description

Location: Derby (2 days), Rugby (2 days), 1-day WFH
Salary: £51,000 + Excellent Benefits

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Rail Fleet Maintenance Planner to take full ownership of the maintenance schedules, performance, compliance, and reliability of our fleet of 60 diesel and electric freight locomotives.
This is a hands-off, engineering management role—ideal for professionals with a background in rail, heavy plant, aerospace, military, or similar sectors who understand the why behind maintenance activities, not just the how.
You will lead all asset management activities, identify root causes behind recurring faults, recommend engineering solutions, and manage component change requests and cost justifications.
Key Responsibilities

• Assess asset performance: Analyse locomotive breakdowns and recurring faults to recommend engineering improvements and component replacements.
• Engineering decision-making: Raise and track change requests, dispensations, and cost justifications within internal systems.
• Plan and manage fleet maintenance: Oversee maintenance plans and ensure work aligns with compliance, safety, and reliability goals.
• Documentation & reporting: Maintain accurate records of inspections, non-conformities, and engineering actions.
• System & data management: Log requests, manage asset data, and support digital quality and inspection systems.
• Stakeholder collaboration: Work cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, stores, and leadership teams.
• Continuous improvement: Propose and implement asset management process improvements.

What You’ll Need

• 7+ years’ experience managing heavy machinery, rolling stock, or fleet assets.
• Strong understanding of asset management principles, including lifecycle, fault investigation, and maintenance planning.
• Excellent IT skills and familiarity with asset management software or quality systems (e.g., Q-Pulse).
• Ability to analyse data, diagnose technical issues, and recommend solutions.
• NVQ Level 3+ in Engineering or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence.

Preferred: Health & Safety qualifications and ex-military or cross-sector experience (rail, aerospace, plant, or similar).
Benefits Package

• £51,000 salary
• 34 days annual leave
• Private Healthcare & Dental options
• Company pension scheme
• Company van
• Flexible hybrid working

Why Join Us?
If you want to step into a leadership role where you apply your technical expertise to manage fleet assets strategically, this is your next career move. You’ll have a direct impact on locomotive reliability and performance while collaborating with some of the industry’s best professionals.
Apply today and take the next step in your engineering management career!