Lead Operations Manager

Job Description

Lead Operations Manager

Role Summary/Purpose

We are seeking a strategically minded and execution-focused Senior Operations Manager to manage the delivery of service operations for the PowerHaul locomotive fleet, supporting key UK customers including Colas Rail and Freightliner.

The successful candidate will bring a structured, outcome-driven approach to service delivery—driving operational performance, leading cross-functional coordination, and ensuring compliance with our Maintenance Service Agreement (MSA).

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong operational leadership, project management expertise, and a high level of customer engagement capability. This is a pivotal role that demands commercial awareness, effective team coordination, and a structured, process-oriented approach.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and execution of the MSA contract, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and contractual obligations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day operations with UK-based customers (Colas and Freightliner).

• Coordinate and oversee engine and component overhauls, working with internal and external service partners to meet quality, cost, and time objectives.

• Manage service logistics, including inventory control, material planning, and spare parts availability.

• Monitor and manage contract-related KPIs, reporting on service performance and proactively addressing deviations.

• Ensure compliance with all administrative, safety, and regulatory requirements related to fleet operations and maintenance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance) to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance operations and customer support.

• Lead and mentor on-site service teams promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and performance.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Proven track record in operational or service delivery management, preferably within the rail, industrial, energy, or heavy engineering sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex service contracts and coordinating field operations in a customer-facing role.

• Strong knowledge of project planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination.

• High attention to detail in managing administration, compliance, and reporting obligations.

• Ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and with external stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence, manage conflict, and represent the company at a senior level.

• Willingness to travel regularly within the UK to customer and operational sites.

Desired Characteristics

• Background in railway operations, fleet management, or locomotive systems

• Formal project management certification is a plus

• Experience working within long-term maintenance or service agreement frameworks.

Additional Information

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

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