Opportunity Brief:
Engineering Director
Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive Search firm to the UK, North American and European Engineering, Technology, Sustainability & Heavy Manufacturing industries. Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients' organisation 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 an interim solution. We have been retained and appointed by
Northern
on the search and selection for the appointment of an
Engineering Director . Below you will find an
opportunity brief
developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting held between the Search Director & Research Manager of Executive Search and members of the senior leadership team of Northern. 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:
Northern is one of the largest Train Operators in the UK that sits at the heart of keeping the North moving. With increasing demand for travel across the major cities, it is key that we bring in a Fleet Director to define Engineering's asset strategy for the next 20 years, offer strong leadership across multiple sites in the region and look to drive and empower continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that 2,500 services run to the highest of standards every day. We need someone to be the guiding mind for all Engineering activity, this role will be the key link across the different Train Care Centres, ensuring that our Rolling Stock and infrastructure assets are providing a fit-for-purpose service, now and in the future. Company Overview: Northern
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK. Provide around 2,500 local and regional services every day to more than 500 stations and 3,000km of track across the North of England. In total, 100 million passenger journeys are made on the network each year. Employ more than 7,000 people across the length and breadth of the network. In recent years, they have introduced 100 new trains as part of a £500 million investment in regional rail. In addition, all existing fleets have been fully refurbished including new seats, lights, charging points, CCTV and Wi-Fi. Their aim is to offer customers 'a better way to go' with further improvements across the network including the renovation of station facilities, better lighting, upgraded car parks and enhanced CCTV coverage. Key figures for Northern:
2,500 services daily Over 500 stations served 345 trains, encompassing 11 different types (electric and diesel). 5 Traincare Centres (depots), 7 outstations (mini depots for cleaning, fuelling, and minor maintenance), and 31 additional train presentation points. 23 crew bases scattered throughout the network. A workforce of just over 7,000, including approximately 3,500 drivers and conductors. Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:
Managing a level of activity across the entire engineering function and on a daily basis being able to switch focus as needed, from dealing with a fleet engineering problem to project work and infrastructure. Taking the big strategic picture from the COO and turning it into operational deliverables for the function, ensuring that staff are part of the transformational journey and that objectives are being met. Overseeing and delivering on approximately 25 live projects ongoing in the engineering function while working with the transformation lead. Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:
Improvements across the whole engineering function, culturally and operationally in both people and assets with key stakeholders' buy-in. Leveling up the site leadership teams while integrating and contributing to the executive leadership team at Northern, able to offer guidance and mentorship to the team below and train their successor. All transformation projects delivered or on track for delivery and have been nurtured and overseen. Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)
Track record in leading a similar-sized business unit (1,000+ employees) from a multi-site heavy production/manufacturing or engineering background. Live within a commutable distance of the Northern Network (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, and York) or willing to relocate to the area. This role requires present leadership at multiple sites. Proven leadership and management experience, taking teams on a journey of positive change. Ability to translate the strategic picture into business cases and operational deliverables. Experience in delivering a portfolio of Transformation projects to achieve a 20%-25% increase in Quality. Understanding of financial management and maintaining a cost base effectively. Candidates will come from a technical engineering or operations background either qualified by experience or via qualifications. Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)
Motivated by reasons beyond earning a salary and viewing this role as an opportunity, not just a job. Passionate, engaging, inspirational, and communicative with a track record of exceptional leadership skills. Ability to quickly build relationships with colleagues who may be resistant to change. Firm but fair, capable of standing their ground when needed. Resilient to implement change while being patient to understand it may not happen straight away. Working Arrangements & Location:
Flexibility on the location of the candidate due to being needed across the network: (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, and York). The ideal candidate will live in the north of England. Northern's Interview process
1st Stage interview: 1 hour on MS Teams with the COO and Head of HR. Psychometric test will be sent to successful candidates between the 1st and 2nd stage interviews. 2nd Final Stage interview will be a face-to-face interview with the COO at one of the Train Care locations, involving a half-day interview and leading a session to see how they interact with the teams. Ford & Stanley Interview Process:
1st Stage Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion assessing candidates' suitability for the role. 2nd Stage The shortlist: Candidates reflect on the discovery discussion and provide additional information on their suitability. Good to know:
This role replaces a current incumbent, who is moving to a new opportunity, reporting to a new COO at Northern. The engineering function is a £400m P&L. This role is a Field Marshall position requiring regular leadership presence. Candidates must come from a heavy production, manufacturing or engineering industry background. Live within a commutable distance of the Northern Region or willing to relocate. While a hybrid model is adopted, the right candidate will be passionate about present leadership and working from HQ and sites frequently. Track record of taking a strategy and driving it through to operational activity across an entire business unit. The role reports to the COO and oversees multiple key positions. The COO is making good progress on business improvements.
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Engineering Director
Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive Search firm to the UK, North American and European Engineering, Technology, Sustainability & Heavy Manufacturing industries. Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients' organisation 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 an interim solution. We have been retained and appointed by
Northern
on the search and selection for the appointment of an
Engineering Director . Below you will find an
opportunity brief
developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting held between the Search Director & Research Manager of Executive Search and members of the senior leadership team of Northern. 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:
Northern is one of the largest Train Operators in the UK that sits at the heart of keeping the North moving. With increasing demand for travel across the major cities, it is key that we bring in a Fleet Director to define Engineering's asset strategy for the next 20 years, offer strong leadership across multiple sites in the region and look to drive and empower continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that 2,500 services run to the highest of standards every day. We need someone to be the guiding mind for all Engineering activity, this role will be the key link across the different Train Care Centres, ensuring that our Rolling Stock and infrastructure assets are providing a fit-for-purpose service, now and in the future. Company Overview: Northern
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK. Provide around 2,500 local and regional services every day to more than 500 stations and 3,000km of track across the North of England. In total, 100 million passenger journeys are made on the network each year. Employ more than 7,000 people across the length and breadth of the network. In recent years, they have introduced 100 new trains as part of a £500 million investment in regional rail. In addition, all existing fleets have been fully refurbished including new seats, lights, charging points, CCTV and Wi-Fi. Their aim is to offer customers 'a better way to go' with further improvements across the network including the renovation of station facilities, better lighting, upgraded car parks and enhanced CCTV coverage. Key figures for Northern:
2,500 services daily Over 500 stations served 345 trains, encompassing 11 different types (electric and diesel). 5 Traincare Centres (depots), 7 outstations (mini depots for cleaning, fuelling, and minor maintenance), and 31 additional train presentation points. 23 crew bases scattered throughout the network. A workforce of just over 7,000, including approximately 3,500 drivers and conductors. Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:
Managing a level of activity across the entire engineering function and on a daily basis being able to switch focus as needed, from dealing with a fleet engineering problem to project work and infrastructure. Taking the big strategic picture from the COO and turning it into operational deliverables for the function, ensuring that staff are part of the transformational journey and that objectives are being met. Overseeing and delivering on approximately 25 live projects ongoing in the engineering function while working with the transformation lead. Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:
Improvements across the whole engineering function, culturally and operationally in both people and assets with key stakeholders' buy-in. Leveling up the site leadership teams while integrating and contributing to the executive leadership team at Northern, able to offer guidance and mentorship to the team below and train their successor. All transformation projects delivered or on track for delivery and have been nurtured and overseen. Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)
Track record in leading a similar-sized business unit (1,000+ employees) from a multi-site heavy production/manufacturing or engineering background. Live within a commutable distance of the Northern Network (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, and York) or willing to relocate to the area. This role requires present leadership at multiple sites. Proven leadership and management experience, taking teams on a journey of positive change. Ability to translate the strategic picture into business cases and operational deliverables. Experience in delivering a portfolio of Transformation projects to achieve a 20%-25% increase in Quality. Understanding of financial management and maintaining a cost base effectively. Candidates will come from a technical engineering or operations background either qualified by experience or via qualifications. Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)
Motivated by reasons beyond earning a salary and viewing this role as an opportunity, not just a job. Passionate, engaging, inspirational, and communicative with a track record of exceptional leadership skills. Ability to quickly build relationships with colleagues who may be resistant to change. Firm but fair, capable of standing their ground when needed. Resilient to implement change while being patient to understand it may not happen straight away. Working Arrangements & Location:
Flexibility on the location of the candidate due to being needed across the network: (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, and York). The ideal candidate will live in the north of England. Northern's Interview process
1st Stage interview: 1 hour on MS Teams with the COO and Head of HR. Psychometric test will be sent to successful candidates between the 1st and 2nd stage interviews. 2nd Final Stage interview will be a face-to-face interview with the COO at one of the Train Care locations, involving a half-day interview and leading a session to see how they interact with the teams. Ford & Stanley Interview Process:
1st Stage Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion assessing candidates' suitability for the role. 2nd Stage The shortlist: Candidates reflect on the discovery discussion and provide additional information on their suitability. Good to know:
This role replaces a current incumbent, who is moving to a new opportunity, reporting to a new COO at Northern. The engineering function is a £400m P&L. This role is a Field Marshall position requiring regular leadership presence. Candidates must come from a heavy production, manufacturing or engineering industry background. Live within a commutable distance of the Northern Region or willing to relocate. While a hybrid model is adopted, the right candidate will be passionate about present leadership and working from HQ and sites frequently. Track record of taking a strategy and driving it through to operational activity across an entire business unit. The role reports to the COO and oversees multiple key positions. The COO is making good progress on business improvements.
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