Workshop manager

Job Description

Workshop Manager (Rail)£57,000 - £67,000 + 33 Days Holiday + EV Car Scheme + Development + Company BenefitsDerbyCertain Advantage is hiring for a Workshop Manager based in Derby.This role is on a permanent basis and is primarily site-based, leading the day-to-day operations of a fast-paced rail production and refurbishment facility.Are you a Workshop Manager or an experienced leader with a background in Rail, Heavy Engineering, or Heavy Industrial environments, looking for a pivotal role driving production, safety, and operational excellence, for a growing business which promotes ongoing development?Do you want to join a highly successful rail services business where you will act as the key operational lead, coordinating resources, managing risks, and leading a dedicated production team, with a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to impact the ongoing success and growth of the business?This is an excellent opportunity to join a business with a strong pipeline of work, where you’ll have real ownership over site performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and a "right first time" production culture.The Company:We are working with a well-established rail engineering services provider based in Derby. With an expanding pipeline of work and a focus on safety, quality, and environmental excellence, the business is seeking a strong operational leader to manage, optimize, and safely drive their rail production and workshop facilities.The Role:This role is for a Workshop Manager with a background in Rail or Heavy Engineering, taking full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the site.You will lead day-to-day site activities, ensuring production targets and schedule adherence are met while driving excellence across safety, quality, and resource management.Day to Day:

• Lead and oversee all site operations within the rail facility, ensuring activities are delivered safely, on time, and to required standards.
• Manage and coordinate safe, controlled, and timely vehicle movements within production and testing areas.
• Ensure efficient scheduling and coordination of all T2 production activities, monitoring progress against plans and adjusting priorities to meet delivery targets.
• Allocate and optimize the workforce and equipment, balancing resources across shifts to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, including preparing, reviewing, and approving RAMS and lifting plans.
• Ensure all personnel are suitably trained, competent, and authorized for their roles, maintaining up-to-date qualification records.
• Drive a "right first time" culture across the site, supporting inspections, testing, validation, and addressing non-conformances.
• Conduct regular site audits and inspections to ensure total readiness for internal and external audits.
• Oversee material requests and coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure timely availability and avoid production delays.
• Manage site KPI reporting accuracy, including planning accuracy, schedule adherence (OTD), and ERP/work order data integrity.

The Individual:

• Proven experience in a Workshop Manager or similar leadership/site management role.
• Background within Rail, Heavy Engineering, or a Heavy Industrial production environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and resource management skills, with a track record of balancing shifts and driving team performance.

Benefits:

• Employee Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Annual Salary Reviews & Pension Contributions
• Monthly Rewards & Recognition
• Long Service Awards & Gift Vouchers
• 33 Days Holiday (increasing with service)
• On-Site Treats & Company Socials
• Career Development & Company Sponsored Training Courses
• Free Eye Test & Specs Vouchers
• Free On-site Parking
• Holiday Trading Scheme
• Employment Discount Schemes (Savings on High Street, Gyms, Tech, Restaurants, and Travel)
• Employee Assistance Programme

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