This role is one of seven Market Leads who are accountable for the delivery of passenger rail services within the Markets (North) and (South) Directorates. You will be one of three Deputy Directors within the Markets (South) Directorate supporting the Director in delivering the strategic, commercial and operational requirements for passenger services within this geographical market, but with the expectation of a particular focus on the Great Western operator.
Great Western
The role demands robust oversight and management of the Great Western National Rail Contract (NRC).
The contract operates in a challenging environment including but not limited to a sustained period of poor performance for passengers, industrial relations challenges, the pressing need for more modern rolling stock, revenue growth ambitions and long term strategic operational planning with the construction of the Old Oak Common station for HS2. The full introduction of the Elizabeth Line since May 2023 and the interaction with Heathrow Express operations have created additional pressures on capacity and performance.
There is an ongoing focus on the affordability and value for money of the railway which creates an environment where strong commercial and stakeholder management will be particularly important in this high value market.
Additionally, with the enactment of the Public Ownership Bill, the transfer of the GWR NRC to public ownership in due course will require careful management and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
* Be accountable for the commercial and contractual in-life management of the Great Western Market team; also, for the delivery of the market objectives, Annual Business Plans, and implementation of progress towards rail reform;
* Laser-like focus on the improvement of performance on the rail network and reducing the net subsidy;
* Take responsibility for all submissions and business cases regarding the Great Western market to the governance boards within Rail Services Group, e.g. Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP), Strategic Operational Advisory Panel (SOAP) and to other Approvals Boards, e.g. Rail Tier 2 Investment Board (RT2IB) and Investment Project and Delivery Committee (IPDC);
* Promote the delivery of the Department’s broader transport policies and strategic priorities through the NRC agreements, enabling any changes of policies through negotiation and/or influence;
* Apply contract management policies to facilitate the identification and application of best practice within the Directorate and collaboratively across Rail Services Group;
* Lead a ‘joined-up’ approach, championing cross-team working with colleagues elsewhere in Rail Services Group, in Public Transport and Local Group (PTLG), in Major Rail Projects Group (MRPG) and across DfT;
* Develop and foster collaborative relationships with relevant Network Rail Routes and Region;
* Be accountable for the development and management of industry and stakeholder relationships including, but not limited to, board level relationships with train operating companies and rail owning groups operating within the market, the routes and regions of Network Rail that are covered by your operator(s), and with other industry participants including Transport for London; and,
* Be accountable for including requirements for corporate social responsibility and ethical procurement; inclusion of, and support for community rail projects and other such initiatives.
* Flexibility to take on additional TOC leadership functions and/or support other initiatives as required to deliver requirements of Rail Services Group
Management responsibilities of the role include:
* Lead a diverse team of approx. 10-15 people, ensuring the recruitment, retention and development of high calibre individuals across a hybrid working, multiple site environment.
* Act as a role model in demonstrating collaborative and partnership working with the operator, Network Rail and other stakeholders in robustly delivering our commercial and contractual responsibilities.
* Provide collaborative leadership alongside other parts of the Department especially colleagues within Rail Services Group, Public Transport and Local Group, and Major Rail Projects Group.
* Be a senior member of the Markets (South) and wider Market Leaders community, playing a key role in building and improving the Department’s capabilities and capacity to successfully deliver the wider rail agenda including the industry changes associated with the implementation of rail reform.
Key challenges
* Deliver ongoing value to passengers and taxpayers through high quality in-life commercial and contract management;
* Ensuring operational performance improves to address current poor levels, and to drive a reduction in net subsidy to meet the fiscal challenges of the railway;
* Working closely across the rail industry at a senior level to evaluate and develop operator markets, and to support the evolution of National Rail Contracts;
* Maintain and develop the resources within your team, especially in light of the contract changes and capability/ skill requirements, and the evolution of the sector operating model as part of the implementation of rail reform.
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