Area Rail Depot Manager (Nights)

About the role

The Area Rail Depot Manager (Nights) leads cleaning operations across multiple rail depots in the Manchester area during night shifts (10 pm‑6 am). The role ensures trains are cleaned safely, efficiently and to contractual standards while supporting continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee night‑time cleaning activities across all assigned depots, meeting service level agreements and industry standards.
• Coordinate cleaning schedules with train service plans, depot movements and operational constraints.
• Allocate staff and resources each night, monitor real‑time performance and resolve issues such as late arrivals or equipment failures.
• Lead, motivate and support Team Leaders, Supervisors and Cleaning Operatives; manage rotas, sickness, absences and holiday planning.
• Conduct briefings, toolbox talks and performance reviews; support recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation, depot rules, RAMS, COSHH and rail industry standards; perform safety checks, audits and quality inspections.
• Investigate incidents and near‑misses, implement corrective actions and maintain audit records.
• Identify inefficiencies, drive process improvements and support new cleaning technologies and methods.
• Produce nightly and weekly performance reports, manage stock levels of cleaning materials and ensure accurate timesheet and HR documentation.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing teams in cleaning, facilities management, transport or similar operational environments.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and simultaneously manage several depots.
• Good understanding of health & safety, RAMS, COSHH and risk management.

Required skills

• Health & Safety legislation
• RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements)
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
• Risk management

What we offer

• Company car or car allowance
• Opportunity to lead a multi‑depot operation in a critical rail environment