Head of Production - Rail

Head of Production

Location: Cardiff
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £77,000 per annum

Lead Operations for a Major Rail Engineering Business

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced operational leader to join a well-established engineering organisation operating within the UK rail sector.

The business specialises in the maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment and modification of rail vehicles and components, supporting train operators and fleet owners across the UK. Operating from a modern engineering facility in South Wales, the organisation delivers complex heavy maintenance programmes, fleet enhancement projects and component refurbishment services to some of the industry's leading customers.

As Head of Production, you will play a pivotal role within the senior leadership team, taking responsibility for all production and operational activities across the site. This is a high-profile position with significant influence over operational performance, business growth and customer satisfaction.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all production functions, ensuring the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of maintenance, overhaul and refurbishment programmes.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team, drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure resources, processes and people are aligned to meet customer requirements and business objectives.

This role requires a commercially focused leader with a proven track record of managing large-scale engineering operations within rail, manufacturing or another safety-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all production and operational activities across the facility.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Ensure the safe, efficient and compliant delivery of all maintenance, overhaul and refurbishment programmes.
• Drive operational performance, productivity and profitability across the business.

Production & Delivery Management

• Oversee production planning and resource allocation to meet customer commitments.
• Ensure operational activities are delivered to agreed quality, cost and schedule targets.
• Monitor production performance and implement improvements where required.
• Manage operational risks and ensure business continuity planning is embedded across the site.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor and develop operational management and production teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning, capability development and workforce engagement initiatives.
• Develop technical and non-technical training plans to strengthen organisational capability.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean methodologies and operational excellence initiatives.
• Identify and implement improvements that enhance safety, quality, efficiency and customer value.
• Lead change management programmes and support organisational transformation activities.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the senior operational contact for customers and key stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and industry partners.
• Support business development activities through operational input into tenders, bids and proposals.
• Represent the organisation during audits, customer reviews and industry engagements.

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Manage operational budgets and resource utilisation.
• Ensure effective cost control and value-for-money delivery.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators and operational metrics.
• Balance operational performance with commercial objectives and profitability.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

• Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements and quality management systems.
• Lead investigations into incidents, non-conformances and operational issues, ensuring lessons learned are embedded.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within rail, engineering, manufacturing or another safety-critical industry.
• A proven track record of leading large production teams and delivering measurable operational improvements.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance, overhaul and engineering operations.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and complex operational programmes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A strong understanding of health, safety, environmental and quality management systems.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to drive both operational performance and business profitability.
• Experience implementing Lean, continuous improvement and change management initiatives.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Production Management or a related discipline.
• IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.

Desirable

• Leadership or Management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 5 or above).
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement certification.

What's on Offer

• Senior leadership position within a respected engineering organisation.
• Opportunity to influence business strategy and operational performance.
• Challenging and varied role within a growing sector.
• Long-term career prospects.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking working environment.

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly, respected and given the opportunity to succeed. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.

Welsh Language Skills

The ability to speak or write Welsh would be advantageous but is not essential for this position.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.