Head of Rail Contract Management

West Midlands Rail Executive is seeking a Head of Rail Contract Management to take charge of overseeing the delivery of train services in the West Midlands, contributing to the realisation of a modern, affordable, and accountable rail service.

For the first time since the railways underwent privatisation, the majority of rail services in the region are now being locally managed, tailored to meet the unique needs of the area. This pivotal role lies at the core of this transformative process, serving as a vital asset for WMRE and its partner local authorities, which include the West Midlands Combined Authority. This role is vital to the organisation, as it entails ensuring that key decisions about the rail service are informed by meaningful and locally sourced insights. You'll be tasked with safeguarding local interests, through the contract, and prioritising local customers, communities and businesses in all decision-making processes. 

Leading a team of 2, you will be involved in vital projects including the annual business plan and negotiation of performance-based fee targets whilst working collaboratively with the Department for Transport, constantly seeking opportunities for WMRE to add greater value to the joint client team. 

This presents an unparalleled and innovative chance to enact tangible change within local communities, reinstating control over the services provided to the people of the West Midlands. WMRE has ambitious plans to expand the scope of this role, and you will be instrumental in securing additional responsibilities for the future.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the operational partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) with regards to the management of the West Midlands Separable Business Unit (SBU) of the West Midlands National Rail Contract (NRC)
• Secure WMRE’s annual funding grant from DfT by ensuring that WMRE has discharged its responsibilities under the Collaboration Agreement between WMRE and the DfT
• Foster a collaborative culture between WMRE and DfT as a joint client team, and between the joint client team and West Midlands Trains
• Use the mechanisms of the contract to hold West Midlands Trains to account for operational and customer experience performance where necessary.
• Hold West Midlands Trains to account for the delivery of NRC requirements where necessary.
• Lead WMRE’s participation in the WMT annual business planning process
• Provide robust financial and resource management.
• Identify opportunities to deliver efficiencies and cost saving initiatives to improve the value of the NRC for customers and taxpayers.

About you. 

• Experience of managing complex operational contracts in the rail industry
• Experience of working with the Department for Transport, or an equivalent client-side body, on rail matters
• Proven commercial skills and experience in high value and complex contractual arrangements.
• An in-depth understanding of rail industry structures and processes
• An understanding of the commercial and strategic drivers of Network Rail and train operating companies
• Excellent communication skills which can influence and persuade others.
• Ability to establish credibility quickly.
• Comfortable working with large volumes of data, including financial reporting and financial models.
• Ability to negotiate effective outcomes across a range of issues.
• Pro-active and able to work independently.

Creating an Inclusive Workplace.

West Midlands Combined Authority is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply.

To apply for a job with WMCA, you will first need to create a careers account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note that we don't see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions will be based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to make sure your profile really stands out. Make sure to include all your employment history and include any essential qualifications.

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK. If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligable to work in the UK before you start work.

Salary and Benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Location 

WMCA operates a hybrid way of working, which involves a combination of office-based work and remote work. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs and preferences. We understand that not everyone can benefit from this way of working, and so we also promote flexible working options whenever possible to support work-life balance.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 1 day a week spent in the office. 

About us.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognized as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

Reasonable Adjustments.

If you have an accessibility requirement, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.