Head of Engineering

Head of Engineering

📍 South London
💰 Salary: £90,000+ (dependent on skills & experience)

At Arriva London, we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Engineering to lead from the front—driving operational excellence, shaping engineering strategy, and delivering high-performing, future-ready fleet services across our South London operations.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll influence business performance at scale, champion innovation (including Zero Emission Vehicle rollout), and develop high-performing teams to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective engineering solutions.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven environment and are passionate about continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

The Role

As Head of Engineering, you will take ownership of engineering performance across the operation, ensuring delivery against key KPIs, financial targets, and long-term fleet strategy.

You’ll act as the senior technical authority, working cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Procurement, and HR to optimise performance and deliver sustainable improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engineering performance to improve KPIs and deliver strong P&L outcomes

• Partner with the Head of Operations to ensure seamless technical delivery and service reliability

• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for engineering, leading supplier and OEM service review meetings

• Drive data-led improvement campaigns, delivering measurable recovery plans and performance glidepaths

• Provide leadership and direction to Engineering Managers and Team Leaders, developing capability across the function

• Oversee compliance with engineering standards, including auditing and process confirmations

• Take ownership of Lean initiatives, technical campaigns, and continuous improvement programmes

• Lead the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rollout, including lifecycle cost modelling and performance tracking

• Manage engineering budgets, forecasts, and cost performance—ensuring accountability and value delivery

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Procurement, HR, Finance) to enhance frontline garage performance

• Deliver shared engineering capabilities (e.g. Body Shops, Engine Shops, Training Academy)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators and suppliers

• Deputise for the Engineering Director as required

What You’ll Bring

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• IOSH qualified

• Transport Manager CPC (or working towards)

• Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, and forecasting

• In-depth knowledge of fleet strategy and lifecycle costing

• Proven experience with engineering KPIs, compliance standards, and regulatory frameworks (e.g. DVSA, TfL)

• Solid grounding in health & safety and ISO/BSI standards

Skills & Expertise

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capability

• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels

• Experienced in leading data-driven performance improvements

• Strong stakeholder management across internal and external partners

About You

You are a results-driven leader with a proven track record in depot or garage management within a regulated transport environment.

You’ll bring:

• Experience operating within the Transport for London framework

• A background in vehicle maintenance and DVSA standards

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and performance targets

• The ability to motivate, challenge, and develop teams to deliver sustained performance improvements

• Experience working collaboratively with Trade Union representatives

• A mindset focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

Why Join Us?

At Arriva London, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of transport innovation. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable fleet operations while leading high-impact change across the business.