Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:

Rail & Transportation Civils & Construction Manufacturing & Supply Chain Technology & Cyber Security Logistics & Intermodal Freight Defence Our search directors, search consultants and in house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management.

Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition.

Working with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service – whether there is a pressing business need for an executive interim or that of a long-term permanent appointment - Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution.

We have been exclusively appointed by a transportation business on a retained search for a “Head of Fleet Maintenance”.

Below you will find a ‘Candidate Opportunity Brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Principal Consultant & Senior Research Associate of Ford & Stanley Executive Search and the Deputy Engineering Director of our 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.

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

A proven track record of success in a senior-level management position, leading technical engineering functions, preferably within freight, transportation, rail, utilities, aviation or adjacent regulated industries.

Experience managing a large (50+), diverse workforce.

Commercially astute, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, insightful and influential leader with the ability to operate at both a strategic and an operational level.

Degree level qualified in an appropriate engineering or business discipline.

Demonstrated capability of leading an engineering function split across multiple diverse locations.

Chartered Engineer is desirable but not essential.

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)

An inclusive and inspiring leader who has the ability to develop others to deliver business goals and achieve their potential.

Capable of instilling confidence and building relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Proactive and driven individual. Ability to use own initiative to implement improvements

A strong communicator who is capable of managing perception both upward and downward.

A good political antenna, recognising the impact of the organisation’s fleet performance on the public.

Working Arrangements & Location:

The Head of Fleet Maintenance will be predominantly based out of our client’s site in London.

Ford & Stanley Executive Search Pre-Submission Process:

First Engagement: A short engagement and introductory conversation to position the opportunity, gauge candidate early interest level and arrange a time and date for a more detailed discussion. NDA sent (if applicable) upon receipt of signed NDA - Candidate Opportunity Brief shared.

Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where candidates and executive search consultant explore and discuss the opportunity brief. Candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the key essentials and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstance. The search consultant will utilise the information captured during candidate discovery to start to build your profile on suitability. Recommendations may be made at this point for adjustments or updates to your CV.

The ‘shortlist’: Shortlisted candidates, having taken time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the clients business are reengaged where they are asked to provide additional specific information on their suitability (if/where applicable). Final checks of key notes, package details and logistical alignments made. Finishing touches are then made to your profile prior to submission along with our notes and recommendations. Our Client Company’s Interview Process:

1st Stage interview: Initial Virtual Interview with the Deputy Engineering Director. 2nd Final Stage interview: Face-to-face formal interview with the Deputy Engineering Director and People and Culture Director.

Good to know:

The Head of Fleet Maintenance has become vacant due to the individual who has been in post for the last 14 years is now retiring in May 2026. The Head of Fleet Maintenance is a pivotal leadership role within the organisation, responsible for overseeing Maintenance Centres, operations and stabling locations. The Head of Fleet Maintenance will have 7 direct reports and also circa 450 indirect reports. This strategic position drives excellence in maintenance and fleet performance, ensuring operational reliability and service quality across the network. At the heart of this role is exceptional people leadership. The Head of Fleet Maintenance leads a large, diverse, and multidisciplinary team, fostering a high-performance culture built on trust, collaboration and continuous development. This leader brings technologies together, acting as the principal liaison between internal departments and external partners. With a focus on asset optimisation and long-term value creation, the role promotes a people-first approach, prioritising well being, inclusion and professional growth to drive sustainable success. Key Responsibilities

Safety and performance: Ensure the safety of colleagues, customers, and assets through robust maintenance practices and a safety-first culture. Drive improvements in vehicle performance, punctuality, and reliability by reducing technical defects and service cancellations. Innovation and Technology: Lead the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies and data-driven maintenance strategies. Embed a culture of innovation across the fleet function. External and Internal Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the function at senior level, building strong relationships with internal departments, industry partners and regulatory bodies. Our People: Build and sustain an inclusive, high-performing team culture that attracts, develops and retains top talent. Champion employee engagement, well being, and leadership development to support long-term organisational growth. Financial Sustainability: Deliver cost efficiencies through smarter maintenance practices, supply chain optimisation and collaborative industry partnerships. Contribute to long-term financial planning (Opex and Capex) to support the region's business objectives. Customer: Deliver a consistently high-quality, reliable and well-presented fleet that enhances the customer journey. Set new standards for fleet maintenance that ensures the business is an industry-leading operator. Sustainability and Social Value: Lead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of fleet operations, including energy and carbon reduction plans. Strengthen social value by contributing to community engagement and sustainable transport goals. Business and Partnerships: Engage across all functions within the business to support business planning, forecasting, business reporting and delivering against KPIs, both internally and externally. Budget:

Competitive salary available

Supporting benefits

Free duty and leisure travel on services for the employee. Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent) 75% discount on many other transport providers. Final salary pension scheme. 25 days holiday + statutory bank holidays Executive Search Delivery Team:

Billy Jackson – Principal Consultant (Shortlisting, Offer Negotiations, Client Consulting). Emma Barlow - Senior Research Associate (Networking, Research, Search, Longlisting, Interviews, Data & Market Intel, Headhunting) Ralitsa Kuzeva – Executive Assistant (Diary Management, Coordination, Candidate Experience, NDA’s) About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Services advertised by Ford & Stanley Executive Search are that of an executive search and talent advisory business