Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Midland Metro Limited (MML) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and was awarded an operations and maintenance contract to operate and maintain West Midlands Metro.
West Midlands Metro has been operating since 1999 and has already undergone incremental extension towards the west side of Birmingham City Centre. In the coming years, our metro network will expand to a system three times its current size. This expansion will increase the number of tram stops to over 80 and connect 20 transport interchanges across the region. This will enhance connectivity for customers, facilitating access to work, education, and leisure destinations.
Amidst this significant growth and transformation, we remain committed to prioritising our customers. Our goal is to deliver a tram service that is safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable, continually striving to meet and exceed expectations as the West Midlands Metro network evolves.
As Non-Executive Director, you will bring an independent voice to ensure the Board is as effective as possible, with healthy constructive challenge as appropriate. Midland Metro Limited is going through significant change. This role will support the Manging Director and wider Board to deliver business and cultural change within the business, offer strategic guidance, specialist advice and hold management to account.
Independence of company management and its key interested parties is essential.
What will you be doing?
- Provide independent advice and counsel to the MML Managing Director.
- Attend MML Board meetings, providing original input and contribution and, where appropriate, constructive challenge of processes and procedures.
- Chair or participate in board sub committees as required.
- Support the development of MML Business Plans
- Assist in setting and revising strategy and objectives.
- Scrutinise the performance of management against the objectives and values of the company.
- Bring specific focus on developing people, cultural change and succession planning.
- Ensure risks are suitably managed and that controls and risk management systems are robust.
- Bring an external, independent perspective and advise the Board accordingly.
About you.
- Board experience and a record of success at exec/non-exec level
- Experience in strategic management or business development role working within a service industry in public or private sector - experience in light rail/heavy rail operations is preferable but is not essential.
- Experience of driving change within an organisation to reduce cost and grow revenues ensuring safety is central to any decisions taken.
- Experience of managing change within a service industry ensuring improvement in customer and stakeholder experience.
- Able to support an organisation in taking policy and strategy and shaping into tangible actions and outcomes.
- Good understanding of management accounts and related management information
- An understanding of systems and risk management.
- An understanding of public transport operations.
- Clear communicator.
- Knowledge of reward and motivation mechanisms.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out.
You will be asked to answer 3 questions:
- What attracts you to the Non-Executive Director post with Midland Metro Limited?
- As Non-Executive Director, your expertise in advising and supporting Boards on initiatives like developing people, driving culture change, and succession planning is invaluable. Please choose two of these initiatives and describe how your contributions have led to the success of an organisation.
- Our tram network is at the heart of the region and is set to become a whole lot bigger. Our metro network will transform from a single line to a network that will triple in size. This will connect more customers to places across the region for work, education, and leisure. Amidst so much growth and change we’ll continue to ensure our employees and our customers remain the forefront of our plans. There is no right answer to this, but please tell us the way in which you would go about supporting these growth plans, ensuring that employees and customers are kept front and centre of everything we do.
For each answer, you will have a maximum of 750 words – we suggest writing your response in Word and then copy and paste each response into the application form.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Remuneration, location and working pattern.
The Non-Executive Director will receive £400 per day. It is expected that you can commit to 2 full days each month. Board meetings are held in person. Other meetings may be accommodated on-line. The location for this role is predominantly MML's Wednesbury depot.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
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.
Right to Work in the UK
Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK, in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) will be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Thank you for considering joining our team. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
