Job Description
JOB TITLE: Engineering Manager – Overhead Line
Location: Tyne & Wear, North East England
Salary: £44,000 to £65,000 (depending on experience) + £3,280 Standby & Call-out Allowance + Benefits
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Sector: Rail Infrastructure
About the Company
Our client is responsible for the operation, maintenance and renewal of the Metro system, keeping millions of passengers moving across the North East every year. With a workforce of over 1,000 people, they play a vital role in delivering safe, reliable and sustainable transport. This role offers the chance to be part of a supportive organisation that values its people and provides clear routes for career progression, professional development and a strong work-life balance.
About the Role
As Engineering Manager you will lead the management of the 1500v DC overhead line system, including inspection, maintenance and capital renewal programmes. You will play a key role in the delivery of projects such as the Metro to Washington extension and support wider infrastructure programmes. This is a leadership role requiring strong technical expertise and people management skills, ensuring assets remain safe, compliant and reliable.
The key requirements for this Engineering Manager role are:
1. Manage the full overhead line asset portfolio including inspection, maintenance, vegetation management, switching and feeder supply systems, and traction bonding
2. Deliver planned, reactive and corrective maintenance regimes, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory and industry standards
3. Provide technical leadership on capital renewal and major projects, acting as a key stakeholder across infrastructure programmes
4. Lead departmental planning and strategy in line with organisational safety, legislative and performance requirements
5. Develop, brief and review risk assessments, safe systems of work, method statements and construction phase plans
6. Represent the department in corporate responsibilities including customer claims, third-party works, and asset acceptance
7. Line manage technical teams, ensuring training, competence and wellbeing standards are met
Experience required for this Engineering Manager role are:
8. HNC or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or demonstrable extensive experience in managing overhead line systems
9. Proven management or supervisory experience within overhead line electrification engineering (rail or non-rail)
10. Strong knowledge of the railway industry, including safety regulations, Railway Group Standards and regulatory requirements
11. Excellent planning, organisational and change management skills
12. Demonstrable leadership and people management experience
13. Financial management skills, with experience managing budgets effectively
14. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
15. IT literacy including Microsoft Office
16. Full UK driving licence
Desirable knowledge, skills and experience for this Engineering Manager role are:
17. NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
18. Member of a relevant professional body (or ability to obtain membership after appointment)
19. Experience in staff recruitment, development and performance management
20. Experience working with external agencies and emergency services
21. Knowledge of strategic planning and managing organisational change