Rail Production Supervisor: Lead a Skilled Tech Team

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles); Greater 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

Professional Sponsorship

Flexible Working

Family Friendly culture

Volunteer days

Job summary

CAF is seeking a Production Supervisor in the UK to lead a technicians team on overhaul tasks for major rail components, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery. Reporting to the Production Manager, you will drive Lean principles and 5S, maintain compliant operations, and coordinate with Engineering and Materials teams to keep production flowing.

The role emphasizes a strong safety culture, staff development, and continuous improvement within CAF’s multi-location, 24/7 operation, with a

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, automotive, or aerospace environment.
• Strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality outputs against deadlines.
• Experience of 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 in line with HR policies 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Team leadership

Production supervision

Lean manufacturing

MS Office

ERP/CMMS

SAP

GMAO

Education

NVQ Level 3 in electrical/mechanical discipline

IOSH Managing Safely (desirable)

Tools

GMAO (ERP/CMMS)

SAP

Job description

CAF is seeking a Production Supervisor in the UK to lead a technicians team on overhaul tasks for major rail components, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery. Reporting to the Production Manager, you will drive Lean principles and 5S, maintain compliant operations, and coordinate with Engineering and Materials teams to keep production flowing.

The role emphasizes a strong safety culture, staff development, and continuous improvement within CAF’s multi-location, 24/7 operation, with a