Head of Engineering (Coach)

National Express Group is a leading public transport operator with bus, coach and rail services in the UK, Continental Europe, North Africa, North America and the Middle East. Passengers made 898 million journeys on our services in 2018.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Engineering, to join our coach team, who will lead the UK Coach Technical and Compliance team and create a culture of safety, transparency and robust remedial action with regard to compliance or technical failures. You will validate engineering approaches to incidents and issues and ensure they are appropriate, whilst leading the development of new vehicles which meet safety, environmental and customer requirements

What you'll do...

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the business by providing considered and costed engineering solutions to  business needs and issues
• Represent the UK Coach business when engaging with external stakeholders, including suppliers, trade bodies, DVSA and Third Party Operators
• Deputise for the Engineering Director when required
• Create long term strategies to support Engineering and the Business
• Ensure that the correct auditing standards are in place, that audit calendars are set and audits are carried out and reported to appropriate levels within the business
• Ensure that probity is maintained with regard to audits and technical investigation
• Create and maintain appropriate vehicle specifications inclusive of safety, customer requirements and financial considerations
• Ensure that investigations are carried out to root cause level and that any remedial actions are suitable and appropriate
• Look forward and identify upcoming legislative changes, making recommendations as required
• Identify new and upcoming technology and recommend inclusion into the vehicle specification and or the existing fleet when appropriate.
• Ensure that Partner Operators are managed appropriately and that standards are maintained in our contracted businesses
• Develop an appropriate reporting suite to ensure that results and issues are clearly communicated
• Carry out confidential and impartial investigation with regard to potential acquisitions, sites etc

What you’ll have….

• Excellent understanding and experience of the road passenger transport sector, including all relevant legal and external regulations and requirements, and a strong understanding of the Operational function.
• Excellent working knowledge of all daily garage engineering procedures, including all current processes and procedures, health and safety regulations and legal obligations.
• Be capable of continuously improving the engineering function and have the ability to identify areas for improvement and formulate/implement effective action plans.
• CPC (National Certificate of Professional Competence for Bus and Coach Operations).
• Ability to manage teams to achieve high standards of performance.
• Professional qualifications relevant to the role.
• Engineering Leadership qualification (degree level or equivalent desired).
• Proven leadership and an excellent ability to communicate at all levels (Including a heavily unionised environment).
• Flexible attitude with a desire to drive engineering forward and ensure it is sustainable.

We offer a wide range of benefits such as...

• Free travel for you and your partner
• Free coach pass
• Company pension
• Access to NX Health Bus
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Variety of deals and discounts available through NX online portal

National Express has a very high focus on health and safety and as a result operates a strict Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees.

Drug and Alcohol testing is completed as part of the assessment process as well as random checks during employment according to the policy.

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If the above sounds like a next step in your career, follow our online application process to express your interest! If you have any queries or wish to discuss any aspects of the role, please email recruitment@nationalexpress.com.