Job Description
Shift Manager | Hitachi
Location: Arlington Site, Eastleigh
Contract: Until March 2027 (Extension potential)
Pay: Up to £33.33/hr (PAYE) | Up to £43.58/hr (Umbrella)
Shifts:Days shift: 07:00 - 15:00 Monday to Friday Backshift - 14:30 - 22:30 Monday to Friday
The Opportunity
Are you a seasoned Railway Engineering leader with a track record in modern rolling stock maintenance? We are looking for a Shift Manager to take the helm at our Arlington site in Eastleigh. You will be leading a group of up to 20 Welders and Test Technicians.
This isn't just a "supervisory" role. You will be the point of contact for site operations, overseeing the commissioning of depot equipment, driving SAP maintenance management, and leading a diverse team through the transition from testing into full passenger service.
The Role
As the Shift Manager, you are the heartbeat of the depot. Your mission is to ensure contractual availability and safety while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
* Lead & Develop: Manage, mentor, and recruit a high-performing technical team, overseeing behaviours, appraisals, and disciplinary procedures.
* Operational Excellence: Take full responsibility for Site H&S, Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCDS).
* Technical Stewardship: Lead on-train practical reviews, oversee modification tasks, and manage the commissioning of specialist depot tools (cranes, jacks, drop facilities).
* Systems Management: Drive the development of the SAP Maintenance Management System (MMS) and ensure all rolling stock assets meet strict contractual KPIs before entering service.
* Safety First: Act as the POC for all H&S matters on shift, identifying hazards and working closely with QHSE engineers.
What You'll Bring
We are looking for a professional who commands respect through both technical expertise and leadership presence.
Core Essentials:
* Experience: Proven service delivery in a modern rolling stock maintenance/commissioning environment.
* Leadership: Experience managing large, diverse technical teams on a shift rotation.
* Qualifications: M&E HNC or a time-served engineering apprenticeship.
* Safety Credentials: NEBOSH or IOSH trained with outstanding safety awareness.
* Technical Savvy: Expert knowledge of remote diagnostics, fault-finding, and modern MMS (SAP).
* Assessor Status: Qualified assessor capable of direct and indirect staff assessment.
Why Apply?
* Long-term Stability: Contracted through to 2027 with the potential to extend.
* Competitive Rates: High-tier hourly pay reflecting the seniority of the position.
* Impact: Play a pivotal role in the introduction of Hitachi's world-class fleet to the UK rail network.
Ready to lead the future of rail?
If you are a calm, diplomatic leader with the "can-do" attitude required to manage complex engineering projects, we want to hear from you.
Randstad Business Support is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.