Engineering Manager

Engineering managers manage the facilities in a bus garage to ensure that the engineering team, which is made of up technicians and senior technicians as well as specialist engineers, provides well maintained vehicles that are reliable and roadworthy. They are also responsible for ensuring that all working practices are health and safety compliant and that all vehicles meet required standards for operation.

Engineering managers have a clear understanding of all of the process involved in delivering engineering services. They have to review working practices and specifications so that their teams can meet performance requirements without losing quality or increasing costs by too much. They also have to look at ways in which the engineering team can improve the performance of the buses themselves; they do this by analysing data and reviewing modern technologies and techniques and seeing how they can be applied in their working environment. It is also important for engineering managers to have an understanding of preventative maintenance, so that they can ensure that buses run as efficiently as possible and that they don’t break down.

Further responsibilities that an engineering manager has include monitoring of staff performance and development and liaison with stock control to ensure that the workshop is adequately stocked with the right parts. They will also report regularly to the bus company’s senior managers, providing updates on performance and any problems that have been encountered or that need resolving.

The approximate salary for an engineering manager is from £30000 upwards.
Go Back

Working environment

An engineering manager shares their time between the workshop and their office. They work regularly with staff in the workshop and also with senior managers, who may be based in a different location. Engineering managers are expected to dress smartly and must also wear a high visibility jacket when they are out and about in the workshop.

Engineering managers normally work around 40 hours a week. They more commonly work standard office hours, although some will work in shift patterns, which can include weekends and bank holidays, early mornings and late nights.
Go Back

Skills and interests

Engineering managers must have a thorough knowledge of engineering practices and techniques. They should also have a good understanding of the bus industry and how large vehicles operate.

As well as this they also need:
- leadership and management skills
- ability to make quick decisions under pressure
- sound problem solving skills
- a planned approach to work
- an eye for detail
- ability to use a range of technology.
Go Back

Entry into the role

Engineering managers work their way up to the role from positions such as senior technician or engineer. They have to be able demonstrate a sound ability in engineering and also in the management of engineering facilities. This means that they should have some experience of leading others and also of implementing strategies and working practices.

Engineering managers are employed by bus companies, and by some specialist engineering firms. Vacancies are usually advertised on bus company websites, in the local press and on specialist recruitment websites.
Go Back

Opportunities

Engineering managers can take on additional responsibilities for the management of engineering and bus company facilities. They can move into senior management and director roles.
Go Back

Useful links

Go Back

This website tells you

Case Study Highlight