Join Our Team as Head of Workforce Optimisation!

As the Head of Workforce Optimisation, you will be expected to develop and implement efficient depot workforce strategies, ensuring that all depots have the necessary resources to meet the train plan. You will oversee the delivery of the five-year workforce strategy, aligning planning processes with the overall strategy to ensure efficient resource use and compliance with standards.

Maintaining positive relationships with union representatives is crucial, as is influencing key stakeholders to align recruitment and training with depot needs. You will collaborate on future timetable planning, compile and present detailed reports and business cases to senior management and external stakeholders and ensure that all operational needs are met effectively and efficiently.

Key Accountabilities:

• Model future depot workforce strategies to meet business aspirations efficiently.
• Analyse operational inefficiencies with various departments.
• Compile and present detailed reports and business cases to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Support Regional Managers in roster negotiations and strategy implementation.
• Ensure the delivery of the five-year workforce strategy for traincrew depots.
• Provide adequate resources to meet the train plan requirements.
• Collaborate with Train Planning to understand future timetable impacts.
• Maintain positive relationships with union representatives and communicate strategy updates.
• Direct depots to ensure efficient resource use and compliance with standards.
• Work closely with the Workforce Planning Manager to align planning processes with strategy.
• Support operational readiness for HS2 and participate in RDG workstreams.

Person Specification

• Strong knowledge of workforce planning and railway operations.
• Expertise in linking, rostering activities, and modelling systems (e.g., Traintracs).
• Decision making based on factual information.
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in project/programme delivery and strategic planning.
• Negotiation experience, ideally with trade unions.
• Degree in maths or statistical analysis.

Please find our role profile here for more information.

Benefits include:

• Railway pension scheme
• 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

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!