National Express LTD
Head of Engineering

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Head of Engineering
National Express are recruiting an experienced Head of Engineering to lead, control, and coordinate engineering operations across our London & Airports locations.
The successful candidate will act as a pivotal link between garage engineering teams, operational stakeholders and executive leadership to drive vehicle reliability, minimize lost mileage, manage R&M contract costs and champion low/zero emission fleet initiatives. You will promote a collaborative and inclusive working environment and ensure the highest standards of vehicle servicing, repair, safety, and fleet presentation.
What you'll do:
- Lead and manage local garage engineering management, depot supervisors, and teams across all locations, supporting individual development, shift planning and operational alignment.
- Ensure vehicles are serviced and maintained in line with company, manufacturer, and legal standards, driving absolute focus on safety and compliance (MOT, Tax, LOLER, Tachograph calibrations, and DVSA reporting).
- Target minimal Vehicle Off Road (VOR) times and breakdown rates to maximize peak vehicle requirement (PVR) and prevent lost mileage.
- Control repair & maintenance (R&M) contracts, oversee arrival/departure and end of contract costs for leased/rented fleets, and strictly manage departmental budgets.
- Act as the subject matter expert to the Executive Team and 24/7 Control Room on vehicle technology, accident and incident investigations, safety improvements, and performance KPIs.
- Advise the Board on low and zero emission operational strategies, leading trials and sustainable engineering best practices.
- Partner closely with Operations teams to build seamless relationships and implement best practice maintenance standards across all sites.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need:
- Extensive experience in the road passenger transport sector, with deep knowledge of coach and bus operational engineering, legal compliance, and daily garage procedures.
- Holder of a National Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for Bus and Coach Operations.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate engineering teams within a unionized environment.
- Hold a valid UK Driver’s Licence (Car) and the ability to pass an Airport Security Review to hold an airside access pass.
- Desirable: Category D / PSV Licence and the ability to speak Spanish (beneficial for liaison with group parent company Alsa).


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What we offer in return for your hard work and commitment...
- Competitive salary of up to £85,000 per annum
- Car Allowance of £5,760 per annum
- Performance bonus of up to 20%
- Comprehensive company pension, life assurance and executive development programs
- Free Bus & Coach travel for yourself
- Employee Assistance programme and private online GP service
National Express is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and should you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London