 In October 1892 he became Suburban District Locomotive Superintendent; two years later he was transferred to Ipswich, and in July 1897 he returned to London, as divisional locomotive superintendent.Several more promotions - including Chief of the Running Department, and Assistant Locomotive Superintendent - led to him succeeding his father as Locomotive Superintendent from January 1908.In 1910, Holden was elected a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.