Head of Contracts: Shape the future of rail contracts!

Are you ready to take the helm of contract management in the rail industry? We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our Engineering and Infrastructure Senior Leadership team as the Head of Contracts. This pivotal new role will shape the future of our contractual relationships, ensuring we deliver on our promises to customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide direction and leadership on all contract activities, including property, retail income, facilities, fleet maintenance, and rolling stock.
• Contract Management: Develop and implement our contract management strategy to maximize commercial potential and enhance customer and colleague experiences.
• Negotiation and Collaboration: Lead and negotiate new contracts with key stakeholders such as the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and suppliers.
• Performance Monitoring: Review contract performance, identify trends, and resolve issues to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Risk Management: Establish robust processes for managing contractual risks, changes, and approvals.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including National Rail, DFT, ORR, suppliers, and train operating companies.

What We’re Looking For:

• Extensive Experience: Proven track record in senior contract management within the Rail industry, including commercial, maintenance, and modifications on Rolling Stock and Property.
• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale, high-investment contracts and leading a team of specialists.
• Exceptional Skills: Strong stakeholder partnerships, negotiation skills, commercial and financial acumen, and innovative thinking for strategic change.
• Relevant Qualifications: Degree in Law or relevant commercial experience within the rail industry.

Please see the role profile for more information.

This role can be based from either London or Birmingham.

Benefits include:

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

Join us and be part of a team that values innovation, excellence, and strategic thinking. Apply now and help us shape the future of the Rail industry!

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us unique! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are welcomed, recognised, accepted and put to good use!