Head of Planning, Access and Timetable Strategy

Central Birmingham (B3) travel pass included

Competitive package and benefits

This is a fantastic time to join West Midlands Trains as we embark on your new franchise to improve our passenger’s journeys. As part of the wider Abellio Group, West Midlands Trains Ltd, operates as a joint venture - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, delivering over 1,300 safe and reliable services per day for more than a 60 million passengers per year.  Since the start of our franchise in 2017 we have been committed to improving our services, investing a whopping £1 billion into the region’s network, £18million in the development of all our workforce.

We are looking to recruit a Head of Planning, Access and Timetable Strategy to report to the Operations Director.  You will be the commercial and planning lead for service development opportunities, including for timetable development and strategic planning initiatives named in the Franchise Agreement. You will be required to lead discussions with the DfT, Network Rail, external third parties, and internal stakeholders in the development of proposals to deliver the Train Service Requirements contained in the Franchise Agreement; whilst taking advantage of opportunities, realising the benefits of network-wide rail investment programmes and developing mitigations against key franchise risk areas.

In addition you will lead and direct the planning organisation for West Midlands Trains to deliver the timetable and resource plans that underpin strategic business objectives in a manner that is compliant with the Timetable Planning Rules and the Engineering Access Statement. You will optimise train crew and rolling stock diagrams in line with formalized or contractual agreements and in compliance with planning rules.

You will bring with you the following skills and experience:

• Excellent knowledge of WMT operations and geography
• A high standard of general education required with considerable experience in train planning, diagramming and operating practices including train crew conditions
• Strong evidence of building exceptional working relationships within and outside the company, particularly at peer group level and communicating constructively in a clear and concise manner
• Understanding of the mechanics of railway franchising and rail industry commercial frameworks
• Experience of dealing with Government and public bodies, along with proven negotiation skills to ensure the interests of the business are protected when dealing with major suppliers, stakeholders, customers and our principal client
• A sufficient understanding of national planning systems and train crew conditions as far as they impact diagramming/engineering planning
• Proven experience at generating and delivering strategic concepts that result in practical train service solutions
• Sufficient understanding of budget control and impact of those budgets through business cases, risk awareness and cost control
• Experience of managing diverse teams through change, developing talent and coaching others

In addition to a competitive salary West Midlands Trains offers a wealth of benefits including first class travel on Abellio trains for you, your partner and dependent children, 75% discount on other train travel over most of the UK rail network, access to an Employee Recognition and Benefits Platform, development opportunities to help further your career with West Midlands Trains, and a defined benefit salary pension as well as an opportunity to participate in the company's health scheme.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.