Are you a strategic thinker looking to shape the future of rail operations? We are looking for a Strategic Planning and Engineering Access Manager to add to our Train Planning and Operational Readiness & Strategy Teams. You will be responsible for leading strategic infrastructure development, timetable planning, traincrew scheduling, engineering projects, and supporting operational delivery.

In this role you will lead negotiations with Network Rail on the TriLink Intelligent Renewals programme, collaborate with various teams to manage access efficiently, and develop strategies to deliver outputs and considering the overall system's financial impact.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead Negotiations: Manage discussions with Network Rail on the TriLink Intelligent Renewals programme, impacting Avanti West Coast services and stations.
• Collaborate with Teams: Work with Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, other operators, and TSPs to ensure efficient access management.
• Passenger and Maintenance Management: Oversee effective passenger handling, train maintenance, and resource allocation.
• Strategy Development: Create strategies to deliver TriLink outputs efficiently, including blockade strategies and passenger handling plans.
• Financial Impact Analysis: Evaluate the overall system's profit and loss and the financial impact of TriLink on the bottom line.

You’ll be experienced in:

• Operations: In-depth knowledge of routes, methods of working, and network interactions, including understanding the operational intricacies and challenges.
• Engineering Access Processes: Comprehensive understanding of Network Rail's engineering access processes as covered by the Network Code.
• Infrastructure Engineering Work: Familiarity with various delivery methods and access needs for infrastructure engineering work specific to the West Coast Main Line.
• Objectives: Insight into the objectives of Train Operating Companies (TOCs), including costings, demand forecasting, passenger handling strategies, and the development of capacity studies to meet passenger needs.

Please see role profile for further information.

Benefits: 

• 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 Operators

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!