About DB Cargo UK
DB Cargo UK, based in Doncaster, is the premier rail freight operator in the UK and a proud member of the DB Cargo Group. With a remarkable revenue of €5.4 billion and a workforce of 30,000 across 18 national companies in FY2024, we are committed to providing safe, sustainable, and innovative logistics solutions that connect supply chains to both domestic and European markets.
With over 130 locations across the UK and a dedicated team of around 2,000 employees, we serve a diverse range of customers. Our operations include delivering construction materials, finished vehicles, bulk materials, and containerized goods, while also maintaining rail infrastructure and supporting scheduled passenger services. Rail freight contributes approximately £2.5 billion to the UK economy each year, delivering £1.65 billion in benefits to our customers.
The Role
As the Engineering & Asset Director, you will report directly to the COO and play a pivotal role on DB Cargo UK’s Operational Board. This position is not just about overseeing a team of over 800 talented individuals; it’s about driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and expanding our commercial horizons through third-party maintenance services. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and team development.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership: Craft and implement both long- and short-term strategies to optimize rail services, focusing on asset reliability, utilization, and customer satisfaction.
* Operational and Financial Management: Take charge of the engineering budget, fleet planning, and investment proposals that align with business and customer needs.
* Commercial Development: Expand our third-party maintenance services and leverage technological advancements to enhance our value proposition.
* Safety and Team Leadership: Ensure compliance with safety regulations, cultivate a robust safety culture, and lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team.
The Person
We are looking for an inspiring and commercially savvy engineering leader with a proven track record in asset and maintenance management within a high-availability environment. The ideal candidate will possess:
* Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to manage large, diverse teams and foster a high-performance culture.
* Safety and Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of rail safety standards (or similar) and regulatory frameworks, including ECM and WTD compliance.
* Extensive Engineering Experience: A solid background in asset and maintenance management, preferably within the rail industry.
* Strategic and Commercial Acumen: Expertise in developing and executing business strategies, driving profitability, and identifying growth opportunities in third-party maintenance services.
* Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong conceptual thinking with the ability to make data-driven decisions and effectively respond to market and operational challenges.
Location and Package
This role offers flexibility in location, but the successful candidate should reside within commuting distance of one of DB Cargo UK’s key locations: Stoke, Toton, Crewe, or Doncaster.
To attract top talent, DB Cargo offers a competitive package that includes an attractive base salary, car allowance, and an excellent bonus, along with additional benefits.