West Coast Partnership Development is a trusted partner of the Department for Transport (DfT) who are working towards creating and implementing the operations for High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2). Working to design, develop and mobilise the high-speed service operations which will deliver benefits including more capacity, quicker journey times and a step-change in customer experience.

We would like to present an exciting opportunity to join the WCPD Operations team as a Trial Operations Manager.

The Trial Operations Manager acts as West Coast Partnership Development’s lead for all activities leading up to the initial phases of running trains on HS2.  Acting as our representative in various planning forums, you will work alongside HS2’s team to create a full series of exercises to test the railway before regular operations, and to carry out an agreed series of trial exercises simulating regular and out-of-course events.

The role will also be responsible for ensuring WCPD is ready and prepared to launch services, lead the compilation of a series of readiness trackers to ensure that WCPD has plans to deliver the right teams with the right skills to deliver our objectives

*                Ensuring the representation of WCPD at Testing and Trial Operations meeting forums

*                Representing WCPD’s interests and requirements in all HS2 and WCPD planning activities

*                Responsible for leading WCPD Testing and Trial Operations plan delivery.

*                Seeking the input and collaboration of WCPD colleagues in developing plans

*                Input, monitoring and challenge of the WCPD integrated plan

*                Contribution to and adherence the unified targeted operating model (UTOM)

*                Sharing feedback and decision on all matters of testing and Trial Operations across all affected areas of WCPD.

*                Be an effective member of the Train Services team, supporting the Head of Operations Development to establish an effective team and championing the behaviours of the organisation.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

*       Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with HS2 to support development of the WCPD Testing and Trial Operations Plan and its delivery, acting as the single point of contact for all elements of Trial Operations for WCPD

*       Actively participating in the joint HS2 / WCPD Joint Testing and Trial Operations Working Group, contributing to the delivery of the Joint Trial Ops Strategy and plan development.

*       Provide progress updates to WCPD Board and DfT as set out in the annual business plan.

*       Responsible for leading the development and delivery of key annual planning and performance processes, ensuring alignment with strategic and programme plans, and meeting required quality standards.

*       Developing WCPD testing and trial exercise scripts.

*       Maintaining strong and frequent engagement with all areas of WCPD and AWC involved in testing and Trial Operations activities.

*       Developing and maintaining a Trial Operations lessons Learnt Action list and ensuing all WCPD/AWC actioners complete their actions in a timely manner.

*       Support the Head of Operations Development in ensuring all relevant areas of Shadow Operator test and exercise scripts are undertaken and successfully completed.

*       Development of a day one operational vision for high speed 2 train services.

Ensuring productive, effective and efficient relationships with key stakeholders including:

*       WCPD MD and Directors. 

*       WCPD Heads of

*       HS2 Operation team

The role is based in London and with the requirement for some travel on our network at times. The expectation will be a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. 

West Coast Partnership Development

West Coast Partnership comprises two distinct parts – Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development. Avanti West Coast runs the InterCity West Coast train services from London to north England, north Wales and Scotland. 

Our work in WCPD is focused on developing plans for what the new high-speed services will look like (customer experience), how they will work (railway operations) and how we will start running new services and trains (mobilisation). Over the next 10 years we will develop and implement a programme (HS2 Ltd are building the new railway and associated infrastructure).

Your application

At WCPD, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! We recognise 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 us becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that we are expansive and a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use!