Cambridge
Depot Manager – Cambridge Location: Cambridge Contract: Permanent Hours: Average 37.5 hours per week (rotational days & nights) Reporting to: Regional Operations Manager (South) The Role We are looking for an experienced and motivated Depot Manager to lead our Light Maintenance operation at our Cambridge depot. This is a key leadership role with full accountability for depot operation, people management, safety, quality, and performance delivery. You will play a critical role in ensuring trains are delivered safely, on time, and to exacting standards, while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a strong safety culture. Key Responsibilities • Lead, inspire, and develop depot supervisory and maintenance teams to meet production targets and customer requirements., • Take full accountability for depot operations, safety, quality, facilities, and performance., • Ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation, company rules, and industry standards., • Manage depot processes in line with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and RM3 requirements., • Prepare, manage, and control the annual depot budget and forecasts., • Act as a senior point of contact for customers and key stakeholders., • Drive a culture of continuous improvement across safety, quality, and productivity., • Oversee competence management, audits, and accurate operational reporting., • Provide clear management information and KPIs for internal and external stakeholders., • Support business development activities and input into bids for new work., • Participate in the senior on‑call management rota. Customer & Stakeholder Focus • Deliver consistently high standards of service aligned with customer expectations., • Maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders., • Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, maximise revenue, and reduce costs. People Leadership • Recruit, develop, mentor, and coach high‑performing teams., • Deliver effective communication through regular briefs and engagement sessions., • Manage performance, wellbeing, employee relations, and succession planning., • Complete performance reviews and support ongoing training and development., • Authorise payroll and ensure accurate people‑related processes. About You You will be an experienced depot, operations, or maintenance leader with a strong background in rail vehicle maintenance or a similar regulated engineering environment. Essential / Desirable Experience & Qualifications • Experience managing rail vehicle maintenance and depot operations., • Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards., • Proven people management and leadership experience., • Ability to carry out risk assessments and drive safe systems of work., • Knowledge of ISO management systems (9001 / 14001 / 45001)., • Engineering qualification (BTEC, City & Guilds or equivalent) – desirable., • ILM Level 3 (People Management) or similar – desirable., • Membership of IMechE or IET – desirable., • Full UK driving licence. Skills & Competencies • Strong leadership and decision‑making skills., • Confident communicator with the ability to engage at all levels., • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail., • Strong IT capability (Microsoft 365; SAP / Maximo advantageous)., • Comfortable working flexibly, including days, nights, and on‑call. What We Offer • 26 days annual leave, inclusive of standard UK bank holidays., • Pension scheme., • Life assurance and healthcare cover., • Arriva UK Trains Travel Pass., • Cycle to Work scheme., • Arriva Village retailer discount scheme., • A senior leadership role with real operational impact., • Long‑term career development within a growing organisation.