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Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive search firm to the UK, North American and European Rail, Defence, Technology & Heavy Manufacturing industries. 

Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients' organisations with expertise spanning engineering, commercial, procurement, HR, IT, finance, HSQE, sales, projects, operations and c-suite.  

We are trusted by over 100 leading organisations when they seek to make a leadership appointment, be that a permanent appointment or interim solutions.  

We have been appointed by our client company on a retained search for a motivated and hands-on leader who will be accountable for the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the Fleet whilst leading the Fleet Engineering team.

Below you will find a 'candidate opportunity briefing document' developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Head of Executive Search and Senior Research Associate of Ford & Stanley Executive Search and the Fleet Director of the client company.

This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification. 

Client Opportunity Statements:

"As we elevate the business and take the next step on our growth trajectory, we are focused on developing and professionalising our engineering function to deliver a first-in-class service by appointing a driven and hands-on Head of Technical Fleet Services. 

"A successful candidate will take full ownership of the safety, reliability and effectiveness of our Fleet, leading the Fleet Engineering team to maintain and optimise VMIs for improved performance. In tandem, I expect this individual to be my "right hand" and work with me to build the vision for the team to drive transformation. The Head of Technical Services will have the opportunity to make this role their own.

"Culture is key to our business, and we are looking for a seasoned professional with strong leadership and technical experience to be able to have ownership and give direction to the fleet department as we continue our journey of professionalisation and continuous improvement."

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)  

Rail industry background is essential; candidates can come from a TOC, ROSCO, Consulting or OEM environments.  

The successful applicant will have experience driving change throughout an organisation.

An inspirational and motivated leader with a track record of leading large teams.

Knowledge and understanding of railway standards, legislation and traction and rolling stock systems.

Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Candidates to be within a commutable distance to their facility and comfortable being on site full time.

Chartered Electrical or Mechanical Engineer (capable of holding the position of Professional Head of Engineering).

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)            

A strong leader who has the ability to challenge when needed.

Not afraid to 'fly the flag' and lead at industry events.

Naturally a hands-on leader, 'no job too big, no job too small' attitude.

Problem solving and resilient character.

Proactive, confident communicator internally and externally.

Working Arrangements & Location: 

The Head of Technical Services will predominantly be based on site in the Midlands, 5 days a week, there will be an 'air' of flexibility when required.

Search Timescale Agreement   

Stage 

Agreed Date 

Situational Discovery (Role Scoping Meeting) 

23rd May 2025

Timescale Agreement & Delivery Plan - Issued to Client  

27th May

Candidate Opportunity Briefing Document - Client Sign Off 

28th May

Search 'Go Live'  

28th May

Mid-Search Review / Progress Update Meeting with Client  

11th June

Shortlist Presentation & Review Meeting with Client.  

26th June

First Stage interviews between Candidates & Client.  

W.c. 30th June

Psychometric Assessment (If applicable)  

N/A

Final Stage Interviews between Candidates & Client  

W.c. 7th July

Decision to offer successful candidate 

W.c. 14th July

Likely Candidate Start Date 

Dependant on candidate notice period. 

Mid Notice Engagement Session between Candidate & Client 

TBC

Ford & Stanley Interview Process: 

1st Stage: Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where interested candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the above and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstances.  

2nd Stage: The 'shortlist': Candidates are asked to reflect on the candidate discovery discussion, take time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the client business, reporting back on their thoughts, questions and providing additional specific information on their suitability (if applicable). Final checks of role, package and logistical alignments made.  

Our Client's Interview Process:   

1st Stage interview: To be held with the Fleet Director via Teams.

2nd Final Stage interview: Face to face with the Fleet Director and a member of the HR team.

3rd and Final Stage (Informal Meet): Fleet Director and Managing Director to meet with the successful candidate over a coffee.

Good to know:   

The Head of Technical Services will be accountable for the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the Fleet, leading the Fleet Engineering team to maintain and optimise VMI's for optimum vehicle performance, provide technical support to the Service Centres and instigate vehicle modifications to address safety concerns or improve vehicle reliability.

The Head of Technical Services will also be required to set and monitor the Fleet Engineering Standards for the business to ensure legislative compliance, as well as leading a performance management function, ensuring metrics are clear, available to the business and industry bodies in a timely and accurate way.

We are seeking a seasoned professional with strong leadership and technical experience to be able to ownership and give direction to the fleet department.

The Fleet Director has created a vision for the team to drive transformation; the Head of Technical Services w