Chief Maintenance Officer

Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH, headquartered in Berlin, is dedicated to acquiring, launching, and managing rail operations and maintenance projects outside Europe.

DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of DB International Operations, is entrusted with the operation and maintenance of India's groundbreaking regional rapid transit system, implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). This project encompasses the 82 km Delhi-Meerut corridor, including 16 RRTS and 6 MRTS stations. The first 17-kilometer priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2023. Plans for network extensions into Haryana and Rajasthan are also underway, underscoring the project's national significance. 

DB RRTS Operations India is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Maintenance Officer (CMO) to lead the comprehensive maintenance operations of a high-speed metro system in Delhi, India. This high-profile role requires exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a strong technical background to manage a growing workforce and ensure the seamless operation of one of India’s most prominent and complex rail networks.

As CMO, you will have overall responsibility for all aspects of maintenance, including primary, corrective, and preventive strategies, to achieve the highest standards of system reliability, safety, and efficiency. Your technical expertise will be crucial in overseeing the implementation of advanced maintenance practices and technologies. Working in close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and the executive leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in aligning maintenance excellence with organizational objectives, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction, and driving innovation in asset management practices.

Responsibilities and Tasks in Detail:

• Report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and collaborate closely with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) to steer the company's economic success.
• Take full responsibility for achieving key performance indicators (KPIs), including RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) targets, while ensuring all maintenance activities are executed safely and in compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Oversee the inspection, maintenance, repair, and planning of high-quality RRTS and MRTS infrastructure, including tracks, structures, signal systems, power supply, station facilities, communication systems, traction, and MEP systems (VAC, TVS, BMS, Fire detection and fire suppression), ensuring seamless operations and reliability.
• Safeguard customer and employee safety by upholding strict security standards, while fostering seamless collaboration with external agencies, contractors, consultants, and third parties to deliver exceptional project outcomes.
• Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and execution of maintenance activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and performance targets.
• Optimize resource use and allocation by managing personnel and assets within the maintenance function to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness. 
• Drive continuous improvement in maintenance processes, prioritizing safety, quality, and cost-efficiency while fostering the adoption of best practices throughout the organization.
• Drive strategic initiatives and play a key role in the company’s growth by spearheading efforts on additional corridors or railway projects, fostering innovation, and expanding our infrastructure impact.

Required abilities, skills and competencies: 

• The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in engineering or a related field, providing a solid foundation in technical expertise, strategic management, and leadership. With extensive, multi-regional experience in the railway industry, the candidate has demonstrated the ability to navigate the complexities and operational challenges of the passenger transportation sector.
• A proven track record of success in senior leadership roles showcases the candidate's ability to drive organizational growth, optimize performance, and deliver tangible results. Their background reflects a unique blend of advanced education, international experience, and exceptional leadership skills, equipping them to lead maintenance operations and achieve both short- and long-term objectives in a dynamic, global railway business environment.Master’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering (Transport, Mechanics, Electronics, Electrical, or Civil Engineering). 
• At least 20 years of professional experience in passenger rail-based systems, including 10 years in the maintenance of one or more subsystems (namely Signaling and train control, Telecom, Traction, MEP, and Track) and 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Chief Maintenance Officer, Head of Maintenance or equivalent. 
• Proven experience in the installation, testing, and commissioning of rail system sub-systems, with a strong focus on operational maintenance and preferably experience in setting up and developing a fast-growing passenger rail transportation system. 
• Strong leadership and people management skills with a broad knowledge of rail engineering and maintenance across multiple disciplines, with lean management skills being desirable.
• Demonstrating a forward-looking approach, strong international leadership skills, and thriving in a company with a flat management structure.
• Excellent problem-solving, training, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively transfer knowledge to technicians. 
• Advanced proficiency in English (both written and verbal), with Hindi being a plus and willingness to relocate to New Delhi.