​​West Midlands Trains has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Fleet Commercial to join our business, a brand new role as part of the new franchise. The principle responsibility of this role is to be accountable for securing the best possible commercial position in dealing with West Midlands Trains Suppliers and also a Customer for all Fleet related matters. The role will also include maintaining strong relationships with contracts such as Siemens, Bombardier, CAF, Unipart, Rolling Stock Owners and Cross Country.

Key Accountabilities

• Seek opportunities at all times to improve West Midlands Trains position on all Fleet related commercial matters
• Working alongside the other Fleet Heads of Departments continue to work towards having a consistent work ethos for all colleagues that report into you in accordance with Abellio principles
• Ensure that all personnel within your Department have the right tools and equipment that enables them to do their job effectively and efficiently
• Undertake team briefings and one to one sessions with colleagues in accordance with business requirements
• Deputise for the Engineering Director where relevant
• Always seek to improve standards, quality, productivity and efficiency by using innovation or best practice
• Work with the Engineering Director and other Heads of Department within the directorate to determine future strategy and solve any problems that may emerge
• Take cognisance of customer feedback and be responsible for any corrective actions that are necessary, implementing them in a timely manner
• In conjunction with other Directorates, look at any synergies when it comes to commercial opportunities
• In conjunction with the Engineering Director and the Finance Business Partner develop and manage the departmental budget
• Be responsible for all Fleet related contracts, leases and agreements, managing them with consistency and the appropriate governance.
• Be responsible for all bids for any 3rd party work to be undertaken by the Engineering Department
• Be responsible for accurate timely invoicing for all work completed by the Engineering Department on 3rd party work and ensure working with the Finance Directorate that timely payments are received

​Our successful candidate will possess extensive experience of strategic business development backed up with a comprehensive knowledge and experience of rail fleet, and TOC management systems. You will also have a detailed knowledge and experience of Franchise agreements and significant experience of managing contracts, leasing agreements and bid writing.

In addition to a competitive salary West Midlands Trains offers a wealth of benefits including free first class travel on Abellio trains for you, your partner and dependent children, 75% discount on all other train travel over most of the UK rail network, development opportunities to help further your career with West Midlands Trains, and a contributory defined salary pension. 

For more information please see the job description attached.

Please note; this vacancy is subject to the closed list process being concluded