TrainCare Centre Production Manager

Northern; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading train operating company based in Manchester is seeking a Senior Production Manager to ensure the smooth operation of its Train Care Centre. The role involves leading production teams, utilizing data to enhance performance, and maintaining safety standards. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in railway engineering and possesses strong leadership and communication skills. Enjoy generous benefits including free travel and enhanced family benefits in a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Unlimited free travel for you and your family

Pension scheme with 1.5x contributions

Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development opportunities

Recognition awards for excellent work

Qualifications

• 6-8 years experience in railway vehicle engineering or rail depot management.
• Experience in safety quality and technical audits would be a bonus.
• Confidence in negotiating with Trade Unions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate production teams to deliver maintenance plans safely.
• Use data to track KPIs and improve performance.
• Provide on-call technical and managerial support.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Effective communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering

NEBOSH General Certificate

Job description

Keeping our trains and our people moving safely and smoothly

As Senior Production Manager you’ll take the lead in keeping one of Northern’s busy Train Care Centres running like clockwork. You’ll guide production teams to deliver safe reliable trains every day making sure everything from daily reporting to major maintenance runs exactly as planned.

This role sits right at the heart of Engineering. You’ll use data and insight to drive performance spot opportunities to improve how we work and help shape a culture where collaboration and communication come naturally. Most of all you’ll create an environment where your teams can perform at their best feel supported and see the impact of their work every day.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and motivating the Production teams to deliver the maintenance plan safely efficiently and on time.
• Working closely with Planning & Performance and other Train Care Centre teams to keep the depot operating at its best.
• Acting as deputy for the Train Care Centre Manager when needed.
• Using data to track KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement across reliability availability and performance.
• Coaching and motivating your teams recognising great work and supporting development through feedback and training.
• Ensuring that all engineering safety and environmental standards are met and maintained.
• Managing budgets planning major component changes and ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Providing technical and managerial on‑call support when required and ensuring that incidents are properly investigated and resolved.

About you

You’ll bring a mix of engineering know‑how and people leadership. You know what good looks like in a depot environment and how to get the best from large skilled teams. You’ll also have a broad knowledge of Train Care Centres in operations and production. You’re confident using data to make decisions and comfortable leading through change.

Heres what else you’ll need

• A HNC / HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering.
• A NEBOSH General Certificate (or working towards).
• Advanced Accident & Incident Investigation training (or working towards).
• Minimum 6-8 years experience in railway vehicle engineering or rail depot management.
• Confidence in negotiating with Trade Unions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills you’ll be a visible approachable leader.
• Flexible availability working outside standard hours when required.
• Experience in safety quality and technical audits or materials supply and contract management would be a bonus.

Whats in it for you

At Northern we don’t just value our people we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to :

• Free Travel : Unlimited free travel for you your partner and your dependents on Northern services. Plus 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme : We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits : 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme : Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts : From shopping to wellbeing Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme : 24 / 7 support for family lifestyle and more.
• Training and Career Development : Tailored training and opportunities for recognised qualifications with clear career pathways across Northern.
• Recognition : We celebrate great work every day through our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks awards.

Why Northern

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North connecting communities creating opportunities and driving sustainable growth. With 2500 trains running daily we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825 the first passenger train set off in the North of England after which rail quickly spread across the globe and this year we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern we don’t just move people from A to B we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role well always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background experience or whether you call it a bap barm or cob there’s a place for you here in the railway.