Group Asset / Program Management Director - ML045

Job Summary

The Group Asset / Program Management Director is a strategic, board-facing leadership role, responsible for safeguarding and optimising a £1b+ engineering asset portfolio across the UK and Ireland Bus & Coach division.

This includes lifecycle ownership of all engineering assets – from strategic planning and acquisition through to performance optimisation, electrification, and disposal.

As a key driver of transformation, the postholder will lead the shift towards zero-emission operations, playing a pivotal role in the electrification of depots and deployment of electric vehicles and infrastructure. The postholder will influence future business direction, lending expert technical advice to the executive team, and shaping asset strategies that align with growth, efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

They will support major tenders with a focus on technical assurance and innovation. This role demands a visionary engineering leader capable of balancing operational excellence with long term strategic foresight.

Main Responsibilities

• Act as the strategic owner and guardian of the UK Bus and Coach £1b plus ZEB transition investment, ensuring its long-term protection, optimisation and sustainability.
• Lead the end-to-end electrification / hydrogen transformation across the Group – covering infrastructure upgrades, garage conversion, and full deployment of the zero emission fleet– for both existing operations (including London, Manchester) and future growth.
• Direct the design, delivery, and execution of all EV-related programmes, including vehicle integration, site readiness, and supporting systems across all current and tendered operations.
• Lead the Zero Emission Transformation team providing direction, expert guidance, and programme governance to ensure the smooth and coordinated rollout of electric bus operations across all business units.
• Standardise asset strategy, performance, and lifecycle planning, including engineering standards, safety, compliance and continuous improvement across the Bus & Coach division.
• Standardise robust engineering governance and regulatory compliance in line with operator licensing obligations, safety frameworks, and industry best practice.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing engineering team across the CDG UK’ Bus and Coach business instilling technical excellence, forward-thinking capability, and a strong safety culture
• Represent the business at a Senior level with regulators, manufacturers, infrastructure partners, and key external stakeholders.
• Play a central role in bid development and future tenders, contributing technical leadership and robust planning for electrified and decarbonised fleet solutions.
• Research Best Practice, identifying opportunities to optimise EV scheduling, power consumption, EV Battery life, EV maintenance and EV operations.
• Champion innovation and long-term asset sustainability , identifying opportunities to integrate smart, digital, and green technologies into our operations.

The duties listed above are not exhaustive.

Essential Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Engineering (Mechanical, Electric, Civil, Automotive or similar relevant discipline
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent is strongly preferred
• Proven experience in managing high-value complex asset portfolios in transport, infrastructure or heavy industry
• Experience in Program Management of Design, Construct, Operate & Maintain
• Experience leading the transition to electric vehicles and depot electrification
• Strong track record of delivering transformational change, including digital asset strategies and innovation in lifecycle management
• Commercially astute with sound understanding of budgetary control and cost management

Competencies & Skills

• Strategic thinking – able to translate long term business goals into asset strategies that drive performance
• Credible and confident advisor to the CEO and Board, with excellent judgement and insight into capital investment and risk.
• Proven ability to drive cultural and operational change with a focus on modernisation, net-zero outcomes and continuous improvement
• Able to work cross-functionally and collaboratively, influencing commercial, operational, and engineering leaders across the organisation
• Exceptional verbal and written communicator, with presence, confidence, and the ability to represent the business externally
• Strong focus on delivery, accountability, and performance measurement. Committed to achieving operational excellence and value for money.

How to apply

Interested parties should apply via this link only as we have engaged our Executive Recruitment Agency to manage the process

Hours of work

38 hours per week, Monday to Friday but must be flexible to work over and above these hours if deemed necessary.

The Equality Act

ComfortDelGro is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Applications

Applications should include:

• the reasons you are applying for the post;
• why you believe you are a suitable candidate;
• provide examples of how you meet the competencies & skills;
• any relevant qualifications or experience.