Brief Description
This role is a dynamic opportunity to shape and elevate the West Coast South train performance strategy. As a leader, you will drive the capture, analysis, and reporting of performance data to power impactful improvement programs. Working collaboratively across all Network Rail functions and key external partners—including passenger and freight operators—you'll be at the forefront of developing and implementing joint performance strategies that unlock new opportunities and maximize train performance outcomes. Your work will be integral to setting new standards of efficiency and excellence across the network.
Location: The successful candidate can be based anywhere along the West Coast South route.
About the role (External)
The role is varied, and every day will be different, but you can expect to be involved in the following activities:
· Champion Performance Excellence : Be the driving force behind performance leadership across the route, inspiring passenger, and freight operators to excel. Through in-depth, joint reviews and analyses, challenge, and uplift both Network Rail and operator performance to set new benchmarks in industry success.
· Deliver Insightful Performance Reporting : Spearhead comprehensive performance reporting for the route, establishing strong partnerships with regional and national performance teams. Ensure that all stakeholders receive relevant, timely information, and provide expert insights, guidance, and strategic advice on train performance.
· Drive Performance Improvement Initiatives : Lead the creation and execution of powerful performance improvement plans, leveraging well-structured, resourced projects that deliver on key performance goals while minimizing Network Rail Schedule 8 liabilities.
· Oversee Budgeting and Financial Stewardship : Take charge of planning and approving expenditure budgets for performance initiatives, ensuring projects are well-funded. Track spending, resolve variances, and collaborate closely with route and regional teams to maximize financial impact.
· Ensure Effective Delay Attribution : Oversee the delay attribution process with precision and regulatory compliance, resolving disputes swiftly and effectively. Work closely with operators at all levels to maintain a smooth and reliable attribution process aligned with industry standards.
· Cultivate Skills and Innovate Technologies : Foster the development of roles, skills, and new technologies, implementing cutting-edge processes and systems that strengthen route and regional train performance capabilities.
· Lead Cross-Industry Impact Management : Drive Network Rail and industry-wide programs to proactively manage external impacts on the route, consistently raising the bar for performance resilience and adaptability across the network.
In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:
·Member of relevant professional body or equivalent experience
·In depth knowledge of train performance processes, regimes and procedures
·Significant knowledge of rail industry and understanding of delivering customer satisfaction
·Successful experience in a strategic role
·Proven ability to influence cross functional and cross company relationships
·Able to demonstrate high numeracy and analytical skills
·Proven ability to lead and develop a broad team and deliver to tight timescales
·Commercially astute, persuasive and customer focussed
·Able to demonstrate effective leadership, interpersonal and communications skills
We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have/to be:
·Understanding of Six Sigma principles