Fleet Performance Team Manager

About the Role

East Midlands Railway is seeking an experienced Fleet Performance Team Manager to lead fleet performance and continuous improvement initiatives across the EMR network. This role is central to enhancing fleet reliability and efficiency by integrating rail engineering knowledge, performance management, data analysis, and Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies.

You will be responsible for developing and executing the Fleet Performance Strategy, transforming performance issues into actionable plans through in-depth analysis, root-cause investigations, structured problem-solving, and targeted improvement initiatives. A key aspect of this role involves building CI capability within the Fleet and Operations teams through coaching, Lean principles, and practical problem-solving techniques.

Collaborating closely with Fleet, Engineering, and Operations departments, as well as external partners like Network Rail, manufacturers, maintenance suppliers, and leasing companies, you will drive sustainable improvements in reliability, performance, and overall efficiency of EMR fleets.

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Fleet Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for all EMR fleets.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, risks, recurring issues, and root causes.
• Establish performance targets and ensure accountability for delivering improvement actions.
• Spearhead structured problem-solving, process reviews, and improvement workshops.
• Implement Lean and CI techniques to boost reliability, efficiency, and optimize working methods.
• Address man/machine interface issues in collaboration with the Operations team.
• Manage the full cycle of improvement activities from problem definition to implementation, benefits realization, and sustainability.
• Standardize processes and foster the sharing of best practices across all fleets.

Performance Data & Reporting

• Oversee fleet performance KPIs and targets, including delay minutes, cancellations, CaSL, PPM, T-3, T-15, and MTIN.
• Lead the collection, validation, analysis, and reporting of performance data.
• Manage and enhance performance systems such as Compass, Control Logs, R2, Excel, and Power BI.
• Validate MTIN, defect, and incident data.
• Translate complex performance information into clear actions and recommendations.
• Utilize data to demonstrate improvements and their associated benefits.

Engineering & Fleet Reliability

• Apply strong technical expertise in rail traction and rolling stock, covering design, manufacture, maintenance, and operation.
• Adhere to relevant rail engineering standards and practices.
• Collaborate with Fleet Engineers, manufacturers, and maintenance suppliers to identify and implement reliability enhancements.
• Leverage rolling stock performance data and Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) data to diagnose and resolve reliability issues.
• Ensure improvement activities are aligned with engineering, maintenance, and operational requirements.

Stakeholders, Suppliers & Investment

• Cultivate strong working relationships across Fleet, Engineering, and Operations departments.
• Partner with Network Rail, manufacturers, suppliers, and leasing companies to achieve joint improvement goals.
• Provide robust evidence to support reliability funding, claims, and performance regimes.
• Lead fleet contributions to Level 2 and Level 3 delay arbitration processes.
• Develop fleet initiatives within the Alliance One Plan framework.
• Develop business cases for investments in fleet, depot, and other performance improvement projects.

Leadership & CI Capability

• Lead and develop the Performance Team, providing clear direction and strategic priorities.
• Coach team members in performance management, Lean principles, structured problem-solving, and CI methodologies.
• Build team capacity to independently identify and resolve performance issues.
• Facilitate workshops and engage colleagues at all levels to foster ownership of improvement initiatives.
• Embed data-driven problem-solving and continuous improvement into daily performance management practices.

About You

We are looking for a seasoned professional with experience in fleet performance, engineering, reliability, business improvement, or operational performance, possessing a solid understanding of performance, reliability, and continuous improvement principles. Your background may stem from fleet performance, fleet engineering, reliability, or continuous improvement roles. What is crucial is your demonstrated ability to combine performance insights, data analysis, and structured problem-solving to achieve lasting improvements.

We expect you to bring:

• Experience managing fleet, operational, or engineering performance and utilizing data and KPIs to drive improvements.
• Proven experience in root-cause analysis, structured problem-solving, and delivering sustainable improvements.
• An Engineering degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Strong analytical and IT skills, with proficiency in Excel and Power BI.
• A good understanding of rail performance measures and industry performance regimes.
• Experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, reliability improvement, business improvement, or operational excellence.
• Experience in setting performance targets, managing improvement activities, or delivering projects.
• Robust stakeholder management and change management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Experience working with partners such as Network Rail, manufacturers, suppliers, or leasing companies.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complex information into actionable steps and engage others in driving change.

Knowledge of rail traction, rolling stock engineering, and Remote Condition Monitoring would be beneficial but is not essential for the right candidate. A recognized Lean, CI, or Operational Excellence qualification would also be advantageous.

Important Notice to Candidate: AI Use Monitoring

Please be advised that all responses to questions on this application form will be carefully monitored for indications of AI assistance. It is important to us that you are being your authentic self so please base your answers on your personal knowledge and experience.

Any detected use of AI-generated content will result in disqualification from the application process. We value integrity and transparency in all applications and appreciate your cooperation in maintaining these standards.

Supporting Our Frontline

If you're successful in this role, you'll be expected to support our frontline colleagues at some points throughout the year. This might be undertaking safety critical work, for which you'll receive training, but it could just be helping out with Customer Service when our stations are busy. We're One Team, and that means our managers step up for the frontline, not just manage from a distance. Supporting frontline colleagues is part of our DNA at EMR.