Head of Manufacturing – Caf Rolling Stock UK Limited
Join to apply for the Head of Manufacturing role at Caf Rolling Stock Uk Limited.
Our core values are Excellence, Trust and Sustainability. CAF is committed to a competitive living wage and an inclusive, flexible workplace.
Mission of the position
Lead manufacturing activities, develop and execute strategy to deliver high‑quality products within the required time, cost, quality and customer requirements, aligned with project, business and contractual objectives.
Functions and Responsibilities
* Fully accountable for KPIs – number of vehicles to plan, productivity, product quality, safety, 5S, and cost.
* Establish, develop and monitor the short, medium and long‑term production plan.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives using CAF methodology (e.g., KAIZEN) to enhance performance, safety, quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
* Ensure quality standards are met and, when defects are identified, provide resolution and mitigate recurrence.
* Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, understanding customer needs and anticipating requirements.
* Work within a strong matrix organisation.
* Lead systems to monitor adherence to operational standards, quality accreditation, rail operating procedures, health and safety, and all relevant legal and compliance requirements.
* Collaborate with other teams and key suppliers to ensure on‑time delivery of material and services.
* Set the annual budget, including short‑ to medium‑range objectives and criteria for monitoring progress and measuring success; accountable for departmental budgetary control in Manufacturing.
* Develop a high‑performance culture with strong employee engagement; ensure effective use of people‑management policies and tools.
* Conduct analysis to fully understand the root cause of any underperformance and deliver an improvement plan, managing key internal stakeholder expectations.
* Set and manage performance targets for direct reports, ensuring best practice is achieved.
* Embed a proactive Health & Safety culture across the business.
* Develop robust plans to support business change, new product introduction and group initiatives.
* Manage and be accountable for manufacturing activity at all depot sites as required.
* Accountable for the operational introduction of new products through the NPI process.
* Develop a positive relationship with trade union and other engagement forums, enhancing employee experience and satisfaction.
* Participate in coordination meetings with HQ as required and in defining strategies of the Site Programs.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience – Qualifications – What We’re Looking For
Essential
* Minimum HND or above qualification in an engineering field or equivalent experience.
Desirable
* Degree‑level education in an engineering environment (via modern apprenticeship, university, or equivalent).
* Professional chartership in an appropriate engineering discipline from a recognised institution (IMechE, IET).
* Level 5 Leadership / Management Qualification.
* Lean / Six Sigma or other recognised continuous improvement qualifications.
Required Professional Experience
Technical and/or practical knowledge valued in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, and safety management.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Production
Industries
* Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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