Maintenance & Operations Manager

About CAF

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) is a worldwide transport technology company focused on sustainable mobility. The organization partners with cities around the world to address mobility needs and support the shift toward lower-emission transport. Its work centers on innovative rail and urban transport solutions designed around customer requirements, and it operates across more than 60 countries with a workforce of over 17,000 people.

Role purpose

The Maintenance & Operations Manager will lead and coordinate multiple areas tied to the warranty and maintenance center. The position is expected to help meet both contractual obligations and internal project goals while supporting the Project Manager/Branch in workshop organization.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the warranty and maintenance center and ensure project commitments are delivered.
• Support workshop organization together with the Project Manager/Branch.
• Prepare labour and materials plans.
• Set milestones, track progress, and drive completion of objectives.
• Provide technical and financial support for trains and the maintenance center.
• Plan and monitor preventive maintenance programs.
• Report to the UAE subsidiary lead and coordinate with workshops and departments across the country, including Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing for Rail Services.
• Maintain a strong customer focus and act as a point of communication between the client and the organization.
• Work with the GM to close monthly availability and reliability calculations under the performance regime.
• Plan, lead, control, and monitor workshop activities so that output, quality, safety, and environmental targets are achieved.
• Identify ways to reduce costs and improve maintenance practices through better processes.
• Support profitability improvements by applying lean methods and techniques.
• Address customer concerns early and put solutions in place that preserve strong relationships and high service standards.
• Coordinate with other teams to keep maintenance spending within budget.
• Lead and develop a high-performing maintenance team, strengthen individual and team effectiveness, and ensure capability gaps and training needs are identified and addressed.
• Monitor and control all contractual KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc performance reports, including actions for key risk areas.
• Support the development, review, and monitoring of the HSE plan, objectives, and targets while promoting best-in-class practices.
• Take on additional duties aligned with the role, skills, and evolving business needs without materially changing the position’s overall responsibility.

Requirements

• A degree in Industrial Engineering or a higher qualification is required.
• Prior experience in maintenance or technical support is preferred, especially within rolling stock and depot equipment.
• English is mandatory.
• Arabic is optional.
• Technical exposure to pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic, and mechanical systems is preferred.

Skills and competencies

• Planning and organization
• Innovation and creativity
• Initiative
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building ability
• Negotiation skills
• Leadership and team management
• Customer-focused mindset
• Decision-making
• Change leadership
• Talent development
• Performance management
• Effective communication
• Integrity and safety awareness

Additional information

This position may require the successful candidate to perform other related duties as needed, depending on changing circumstances and competence level. The role is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and follows a full-time, onsite work arrangement.