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.