Head of Train Presentation (UK East)

Hitachi

Hitachi

London, UK · Edinburgh, UK · doncaster, uk · doncaster, uk · South Yorkshire, UK · London, UK · Remote
Posted on May 20, 2025

Location:

Remote - London, United Kingdom

Job ID:

R0078130

Date Posted:

2025-05-19

Company Name:

HITACHI RAIL LIMITED

Profession (Job Category):

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Job Description:

Hitachi Rail is seeking a dedicated and strategic Head of Train Presentation to oversee and drive all aspects of train presentation within our UK East fleet. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a large team, influence operational excellence, and contribute to delivering a world-class customer experience. `

Accountabilities

The Head of Train Presentation (UK East) will be reporting to the Head of Operational Delivery (UK East) and you will be responsible for managing and inspiring a team of over 200 personnel across multiple locations, including three Train Maintenance Centre’s (TMCs) and eight Outstations. Your focus will be on ensuring that our fleet (current fleet size of 94 units) is consistently safe, reliable, and presented to the highest standards, supporting external repairs and maintenance activities to meet customer expectations.

Specifically, you will be responsible for the following deliverables:

  • Lead and directly oversee train presentation operations to ensure the daily delivery of a safe and reliable fleet that enhances the customer experience.
  • Responsible for managing all 3rd party contracts that deliver train presentation.
  • Support the delivery of operational outputs, ensuring financial targets and contractual obligations are consistently achieved and, where they fall short, take appropriate remedial action to drive improvement.
  • Lead on the insourcing of the train presentation function across the UK East operation.
  • Support the delivery of Hitachi’s obligations as the Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) and provide assurance in line with Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (ROGS) safety regulations.
  • Ensure the capture, management and recording of all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to train presentation, cleaning standards and audits in accordance with contractual obligations.
  • Manage operator responsible damage through the Damage & Vandalism (D&V) process, ensuring timely capture and recovery of costs.
  • Assurance of train presentation standards through a robust audit regime and plan.
  • Develop relationships with key external stakeholders to ensure train presentation expectations are met.
  • Support business activity, undertaking analysis of operational information regarding train presentation, assessing, making recommendations and putting in place actions in order to mitigate commercial risk.
  • Integrate wider support functions including Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering and Quality to deliver the daily train presentation activities.
  • Lead train presentation continuous improvement across the UK East operation and develop the strategy to deliver effective and efficient delivery.
  • Engage with production colleagues and 3rd party suppliers to plan and execute external paint and vinyl repairs to ensure our vehicles are presented in the required standard.
  • Support the timely submission of bids and proposals whilst maintaining compliance with applicable Train Services Agreements (TSA) and legal requirements.
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team providing individual coaching, support and development to direct reports to allow them to succeed in their roles.
  • Identify, evaluate and understand capability gaps within the train presentation function through research and operational analysis.
  • Support the mobilisation of new business for East coast operations.
  • Ensure current train presentation capability is sustainable and integrated across the business functions
  • Drive innovation within train presentation by implementing new technologies that will support the improvement of train cleanliness and presentation for our customers.
  • Anticipate, manage and resolve risks and issues and initiate appropriate corrective action to ensure a strong safety culture is developed and maintained.
  • Challenge the existing culture, current processes and procedures to increase asset utilisation and resilience.
  • Lead change and build a collaborative approach and trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and suppliers.
  • Work closely with the wider senior leadership team to improve the performance and reputation of the business.
  • Any other duties as directed by the Head of Operational Delivery (UK East)

About you

Essential

Competencies

  • Significant experience of working at a senior operational level and proven track record of leading teams within a fast moving, customer facing organisation.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience of managing train presentation activities across multiple locations.
  • Proactive approach to operational train presentation delivery and be confident in dealing with people at all levels of the business.
  • Astute contractual and commercial awareness and demonstrable business acumen.
  • A natural senior leader with recognised ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to develop, deliver and lead continuous improvement strategies.
  • Knowledge and experience of operating within UK rail industry including Railways & Other Guided Transport Systems (ROGS) safety regulations.
  • Ability to develop and implement plans that deliver against strategic business objectives.
  • Ability to develop and deliver presentations to both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong customer focus and ability to build partnerships.
  • Critical thinking and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years relevant experience
  • Leadership and management training

Behavioural

  • Be highly organised and structured to meet challenging deadlines.
  • Experienced in working with data sets, understanding and manipulating them.
  • Proven background in presenting complex information to senior executive level.
  • Meticulous attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritise and plan effectively and apply judgement and experience to make effective and timely decisions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills: must have ability to deliver confident and persuasive briefs up to senior executive level.
  • Excellent leadership and ability to influence diverse teams.
  • Ability to act with a significant level of autonomy.
  • Able to represent Hitachi in a professional manner at all times.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Capable of working in challenging environments for long periods.

Desired Skills (not essential)

  • Educated to degree level
  • Experience of program and project management
  • Lean Six Sigma

What we offer

We value the importance of all of our employees, if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to:

  • Competitive salary
  • Annual Performance bonus paid on discretionary basis.
  • 25 days holiday
  • Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
  • Private medical insurance
  • Personal Accident insurance
  • Group Income protection
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

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Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers.

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail