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 ch