About the role

We are looking for an experienced Fleet Performance Team Manager to lead fleet performance and continuous improvement across East Midlands Railway.

At its core, this is a fleet performance and reliability role, combining rail engineering knowledge, performance management, data and Continuous Improvement (CI) to deliver measurable improvements across EMR fleets.

You will lead the Fleet Performance Strategy, turning performance issues into action through analysis, root-cause investigation, structured problem solving and targeted improvement plans. You will also build CI capability across Fleet and Operations through coaching, Lean and practical problem-solving.

Working across Fleet, Engineering and Operations, you will collaborate with Network Rail, manufacturers, maintenance suppliers and leasing companies to deliver sustainable improvements in reliability, performance and efficiency.

Key responsibilities

Fleet Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Fleet Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) across EMR fleets.
• Analyse performance to identify trends, risks, recurring issues and root causes.
• Set performance targets and ensure improvement actions are owned and delivered.
• Lead structured problem solving, process reviews and improvement workshops.
• Apply Lean and CI techniques to improve reliability, efficiency and ways of working.
• Work with Operations to address man/machine interface issues.
• Drive improvements from problem definition through to implementation, benefits realisation and sustainability.
• Embed standardised processes and share best practice across fleets.

Performance Data & Reporting

• Own fleet performance KPIs and targets, including delay minutes, cancellations, CaSL, PPM, T-3, T-15 and MTIN.
• Lead performance data collection, validation, analysis and reporting.
• Manage and improve performance systems including Compass, Control Logs, R2, Excel and Power BI.
• Validate MTIN, defect and incident data.
• Turn complex performance information into clear actions and recommendations.
• Use data to evidence improvement and benefits.

Engineering & Fleet Reliability

• Apply strong technical knowledge of rail traction and rolling stock, including design, manufacture, maintenance and operation.
• Work within relevant rail engineering standards and practices.
• Work with Fleet Engineers, manufacturers and maintenance suppliers to identify and deliver reliability improvements.
• Use rolling stock performance information and Remote Condition Monitoring data to identify and resolve reliability issues.
• Ensure improvement activity aligns with engineering, maintenance and operational requirements.

Stakeholders, Suppliers & Investment

• Build effective relationships across Fleet, Engineering and Operations.
• Work with Network Rail, manufacturers, suppliers and leasing companies to deliver joint improvements.
• Support reliability funding, claims and performance regimes with robust evidence.
• Lead fleet input into Level 2 and Level 3 delay arbitration.
• Develop fleet initiatives within the Alliance One Plan.
• Develop business cases for fleet, depot and other performance improvement investments.

Leadership & CI Capability

• Lead and develop the Performance Team, providing clear direction and priorities.
• Coach colleagues in performance management, Lean, structured problem solving and CI.
• Build capability so teams can identify and resolve performance issues themselves.
• Facilitate workshops and engage colleagues at all levels to build ownership.
• Embed data-led problem solving and continuous improvement into everyday performance management.

About You

You'll be an experienced fleet performance, engineering, reliability, business improvement or operational performance professional with a strong understanding of performance, reliability and continuous improvement.

You may have developed your experience through fleet performance, fleet engineering, reliability or continuous improvement. What matters is your ability to combine performance insight, data and structured problem solving to deliver sustainable improvement.

You'll bring:

• Experience of fleet, operational or engineering performance and using data and KPIs to drive improvement.
• Experience of root-cause analysis, structured problem solving and delivering sustainable improvements.
• An Engineering degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and IT skills, particularly Excel and Power BI.
• Understanding of rail performance measures and industry performance regimes.
• Experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, reliability improvement, business improvement or operational excellence.
• Experience setting performance targets, managing improvement activity or delivering projects.
• Strong stakeholder and change-management skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries.
• Experience working with partners such as Network Rail, manufacturers, suppliers or leasing companies.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear actions and engage others in delivering change.

Knowledge of rail traction, rolling stock engineering and Remote Condition Monitoring would be advantageous, but is not essential for the right candidate.

A recognised 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.

Closing Date: 13 Oct 2026

Department: Managerial/Administration

Salary: circa £53,561 dependent on experience
Free travel on EMR services and 75% discount on all other train operators