Job Description

Maintenance & Asset Manager F/M



Maintenance





Keolis, a global leader in shared mobility, makes life easier for millions of passengers. We offer safe, efficient and sustainable public transport solutions that enhance the appeal of local communities.


In 2024, the Group achieved a revenue of 7.7 billion euros. Present in 13 countries, we believe that our 70,000 employees are the key to our success.


As part of an on-going tender for the operations, maintenance, and overhaul of a medium-sized rail transport system in the United Arab Emirates, we are seeking to identify and engage exceptional talent. The appointment of this role will be subject to the successful award of the contract. The position offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in planning, leading and delivering safe, efficient and cost controlled asset management and maintenance services for railway systems.



The Maintenance & Asset Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and asset management of railway and station systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. This role involves managing a team of engineers, technicians, coordinating maintenance schedules, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and optimizing the lifecycle of railway assets. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and experience in rail or transportation systems.



This role will ensure effective delivery of contracted obligations and maintain a critical overview of all maintenance activities undertaken on the network - in close coordination with the Overhaul Project Manager - including providing professional support and advice to the General Manager.

Key responsabilities

Strategic

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Develop and manage detailed maintenance and asset management plans for system including scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management Engage closely with Client to develop and maintain strong relationship, ensure contractual compliance and address issues. Provide leadership, planning, and managing the development and implementation of policies, procedures and work instructions for achieving maintenance Key Performance Indicators (KPI) targets. Achieve contractual and internal KPI targets for safety, maintenance activities, service reliability, cleaning standards, supervision of maintenance contractors, environmental management, human resource management, financial targets, legal and stakeholder management. Ensure all maintenance activities comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer specifications Drive continuous improvement initiatives with a focus on industrialisation of activities and increasing productive 'touch time' for engineers and technicians. Provide technical insights to the Overhaul Programme and support the identification of Value Engineering initiatives

Operational

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Assume overall responsibility for ensuring infrastructure, trains and other assets are safe for operations through the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance To support the development and management of a robust strategy and annual plans to meet the contractual requirements and business targets. Oversee the lifecycle management of railway assets, including inventory tracking, condition assessments, and replacement planning to maximize asset longevity and performance Manage the day-to-day interaction with internal support functions and external interface with sub-contractors Promote a culture of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction within internal teams and sub-contractors Implement safety and quality standards to ensure passenger and employee safety Ensure all maintenance activities comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and organizational policies, including conducting regular safety audits and risk assessments Support General Manager to engage closely with the Safety Regulator, providing regular updates on maintenance delivery - developing a trustful and transparent relationship Implement feedback systems to address stakeholder concerns promptly and enhance maintenance delivery. Lead response efforts for unscheduled repairs or system failures, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and passenger safety - in line with incident response and crisis management protocols Ensure prompt and competent first line response team availability Carry out 24-hour on-call responsibility for incidents and emergency within its section Lead the implementation and development of Maintenance Management System to ensure full traceability and streamline maintenance delivery processes Utilize data-driven tools and systems to monitor performance, identify potential issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives Prepare and present reports on maintenance activities, asset conditions, and operational performance to senior management Work closely with the Overhaul Project Manager to ensure continuity in operations and minimise impact on services during the Overhaul programme delivery

Financial

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Monitor maintenance expenditures, optimize resource use, and report on financial performance to senior management Develop and manage budgets for maintenance operations, including forecasting costs for repairs, spare parts, and capital investments Manage risks and develop mitigation strategies to address potential challenges Drive financial performance and optimisation, in close relationship with Keolis Platform - especially to maximise the benefits of Shared Services Collaborate with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to procure parts, tools, and services while ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality

People

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Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team and foster a collaborative work environment. Act as a technical expert to provide suggestions and guidance to the maintenance team and the wider business to improve the existing procedures and work instructions, system modifications, asset management best practices, maintenance works planning and implementation. Supervise and mentor a team of maintenance engineers, technicians and support staff, ensuring effective training, performance evaluations, and adherence to safety protocols Ensure robust competence management and training processes are in place to deliver safe and efficient maintenance services in line with applicable regulatory requirements Ensure robust succession planning, talent development, and workforce engagement initiatives. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce. Lead by example in promoting integrity, professionalism, and organizational values.

Key competencies

In-depth understanding of metropolitan rail or transit system maintenance, including complex repairs, installation and asset management. Knowledge of relevant transportation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in a transportation setting. Experience working with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders. Familiarity with managing/leading maintenance and operation of railway systems (mainline, metro, tram etc) including performance monitoring and compliance. Proficiency in identifying and mitigating safety, performance and financial risks. Understanding of a computerized asset management system like Maximo. Knowledge in planning, executing, and overseeing large-scale maintenance projects, ensuring they meet timelines and budgets. Knowledge of HR best practices, including leadership development and organizational culture.

Behavioural Competencies

Possess good communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Strong organizational skills, detail oriented, and the ability to handle multiple priorities. Highly motivated and flexibility to work in a time-sensitive environment to respond quickly and effectively to unanticipated high workloads, events and emergencies. Ability to think laterally and analysis and assess a range of information. Ability to multi-task and analysis situations promptly and without bias to determine the proper course of action or alternatives without jeopardizing human safety, quality and the committed performance targets. Thorough understanding of all aspects of safety issues related to railway operations. Adaptability to rapidly changing operational needs and stakeholder expectations. Effective negotiation skills to manage contracts, suppliers, partnerships, and stakeholder agreements. Strong analytical skills to identify problems, evaluate solutions, and implement effective strategies.

Qualifications

Min.

Required

Desirable

Education

A bachelor's degree or higher diploma in mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering discipline



Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of experience in maintenance management in rail transportation systems, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role


Middle East Experience





Monorail Experience is highly desirable

Skills / Training

Fluent in English. Strong communication and leadership skills to manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders effectively Proficiency in Maintenance Management Systems (MMS), diagnostic tools Understanding of safety standards and regulatory requirements for rail systems


Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)





Understanding of monorail systems (e.g., electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical components) is highly desirable