Job Description
Depot Manager – Cambridge
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Average 37.5 hours per week (rotational days & nights)
Reporting to: Regional Operations Manager (South)
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Depot Manager to lead our Light Maintenance operation at our Cambridge depot. This is a key leadership role with full accountability for depot operation, people management, safety, quality, and performance delivery.
You will play a critical role in ensuring trains are delivered safely, on time, and to exacting standards, while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a strong safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, inspire, and develop depot supervisory and maintenance teams to meet production targets and customer requirements.
* Take full accountability for depot operations, safety, quality, facilities, and performance.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation, company rules, and industry standards.
* Manage depot processes in line with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and RM3 requirements.
* Prepare, manage, and control the annual depot budget and forecasts.
* Act as a senior point of contact for customers and key stakeholders.
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement across safety, quality, and productivity.
* Oversee competence management, audits, and accurate operational reporting.
* Provide clear management information and KPIs for internal and external stakeholders.
* Support business development activities and input into bids for new work.
* Participate in the senior on‑call management rota.
Customer & Stakeholder Focus
* Deliver consistently high standards of service aligned with customer expectations.
* Maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
* Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, maximise revenue, and reduce costs.
People Leadership
* Recruit, develop, mentor, and coach high‑performing teams.
* Deliver effective communication through regular briefs and engagement sessions.
* Manage performance, wellbeing, employee relations, and succession planning.
* Complete performance reviews and support ongoing training and development.
* Authorise payroll and ensure accurate people‑related processes.
About You
You will be an experienced depot, operations, or maintenance leader with a strong background in rail vehicle maintenance or a similar regulated engineering environment.
Essential / Desirable Experience & Qualifications
* Experience managing rail vehicle maintenance and depot operations.
* Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards.
* Proven people management and leadership experience.
* Ability to carry out risk assessments and drive safe systems of work.
* Knowledge of ISO management systems (9001 / 14001 / 45001).
* Engineering qualification (BTEC, City & Guilds or equivalent) – desirable.
* ILM Level 3 (People Management) or similar – desirable.
* Membership of IMechE or IET – desirable.
* Full UK driving licence.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong leadership and decision‑making skills.
* Confident communicator with the ability to engage at all levels.
* Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
* Strong IT capability (Microsoft 365; SAP / Maximo advantageous).
* Comfortable working flexibly, including days, nights, and on‑call.
What We Offer
* 26 days annual leave, inclusive of standard UK bank holidays.
* Pension scheme.
* Life assurance and healthcare cover.
* Arriva UK Trains Travel Pass.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Arriva Village retailer discount scheme.
* A senior leadership role with real operational impact.
* Long‑term career development within a growing organisation.