Workshop Manager

Workshop Manager (Rail)

£57,000 - £67,000 + 33 Days Holiday + EV Car Scheme + Development + Company Benefits

Derby

Certain 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 ProgrammeDoes this sound like your next career move? Apply today.

Working with Us
We go the extra mile to find the best people for the job. If you are hunting for a role where you can make an impact and grow your career, we will work with you to find it.
We work with businesses across the UK to find the best people. If this job is not for you, get in touch to register for job alerts and career guidance tips