Job Description

DB Cargo is currently recruiting for an Engineering Director. This is an Executive appointment into our Senior Leadership team and a key member of the DB Cargo UK's Operational Board.


The business has gone and continues to go through a transformation plan, with the key realignment being positioning DB Cargo UK as a total rail solutions provider to our customers - we know as a business we have the skill, knowledge, expertise and drive to be able to offer a breadth of tailored solutions across our extensive customer base to support the growth not only of DB Cargo UK but also the wider opportunities of moving freight on to rail. Our Engineering Director will be responsible for strategically leading and developing one of our key business pillars.


The role reports directly into the Chief Operating Officer and has principal accountability for the running of the Asset Management and Maintenance (Engineering) function within DB Cargo UK.


Our Engineering Function is a forward-thinking team of over 800 colleagues consisting of, Maintainers, Fitters, Standards Engineers, business improvement specialists, national view wagon and Loco maintenance control, with a small team of depot and function leaders and specialists as direct reports. In addition to this we operate a number of services that span network-wide, including the Breakdown and Recovery operations, as well as playing a key part in the rail industry's ERTMS programme, with our Engineering function being at the the forefront of the programme with the retrofit of ETCS equipment and in-cab technology to future proof the industry wider.


Our Engineering function is best in class in the freight operating space and as such has built a strong and continued commercial pipeline of 3rd party maintenance for other operators in freight and passenger with a great reputation to allow our new Engineering Director opportunity to build on this further with our Head of Commercial development and supporting teams.


The base location of this role is relatively flexible, but the successful candidate will live within commuting distance of one of our key locations; Stoke, Toton, Crewe or Doncaster.

The key accountabilities of the role will include but not limited to some highlighted areas below:

Accountable budget holder for the function - evaluating operational, financial and customer demand indicators as well as adapting and adjusting Locomotive and Rolling Stock fleet plans, including any necessary investment proposals


Responsible for driving profitability of the Engineering function by building a sustainable base of third party customers / revenue and creating a value proposition for the growth in this area.


Derive, implement and execute long and short-term strategies to ensure optimization of railway transport services. Focusing on reliability and asset utilisation, the successful candidate will be driven by data and able to make fast paced and future focused decisions based on sales plans, market insights and customer trends that make the most of our extensive asset portfolio.


Develop, align and execute an annual business plan for respective services and respond to technological advances to meet customer expectations



Improve and implement Maintenance principles, associated operating concepts and controls as well as working procedures, internal policies, guidelines and standards within DB Cargo UK



Accountable for the full compliance with DB Cargo's Safety Management System and all relevant rail safety and regulatory requirements, e.g. ECM and WTD; Create an effective Health, Safety and Environmental awareness whilst acting as a champion of safety culture in all areas of the function, ensuring continuous improvement on safety standards and act as a thought leader in safety principles at all levels


Mentor, guide and inspire the assigned teams and ensure the overall leadership, workforce allocation, development and performance; Set up and manage a state-of-the-art working environment


To be considered for the post, we are looking for a strong commercially minded senior leader with a demonstrable work history within engineering. Experience of Engineering within the rail sector specifically is highly desirable for the position.


Leadership ability is a non-negotiable - A professional and resilient leader with the ability to understand the sector, external influences and a readiness to maximise commercial opportunities. You will lead from the front and effectively be able to communicate and manage change and influence at all levels within the business.



The preferred candidate will have:


An Extensive track record in Asset and Maintenance Management / Engineering procedures in a highly demanding and high availability environment, including appropriate Manpower Planning, Capacity Management and Reservation Processes


A deep understanding of and experience in managing all aspects of Asset Management and Maintenance, including e.g. structured planning, organizational and performance management


Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills complemented by a distinct economic and entrepreneurial thinking; Good knowledge of the rail safety and regulatory requirements relevant for DB Cargo UK