Head of Commonwealth Games

Fixed term contract until 31st August 2022

134 Edmund Street, Birmingham

Competitive package and benefits - PM3

We are excited to be recruiting a Head of Commonwealth Games to ensure the development and effective delivery of West Midlands Trains (WMT) business strategy and operational planning for the XXII Commonwealth Games, the largest multi-sport event to be held in England in 10 years. You will be based in our Head Office in Birmingham on a full-time, fixed term contract basis until 31st August 2022.

You will work closely with Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Ltd as the Organising Committee (‘OC’), Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and other external third parties such as Network Rail and WMRE and internal stakeholders, in the developments (and delivery) of proposals and initiatives specific to Games Strategic Transport Plan.

This role will be responsible for pro-actively aiding the business to deliver overall success of rail transport support during the event, ensuring that all those involved in competing, watching, administering, and reporting are transported in a safe and efficient manner, whilst minimising any disruption to current users of the region’s transport network.

As part of the wider Abellio Group, West Midlands Trains Ltd, operates as a joint venture - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, delivering over 1,300 safe and reliable services per day for more than a 60 million passengers per year. Since the start of our franchise in 2017 we have been committed to improving our services, investing a whopping £1 billion into the region’s network, £18million in the development of all our workforce.

Key responsibilities will include: (Full job description attached above)

• Provide inspirational leadership, clear vision, through co-ordination and direction to the business to fulfil WMT requirements for the XXII Commonwealth Games.
• To develop a WMT business plan to strategically prepare and deliver WMTs objectives for successful contribution to the Games Strategic Transport Plan.
• Prepare and submit proposals, feasibility studies and business cases to the Executive team to assess the Games requirements, desired outcomes and risk impact against passenger experience, operations, and/or cost, providing resolution of specific challenges.
• Act as lead for all Commonwealth Games business planning work, with a co-ordinated approach to existing transport improvements and planning in readiness for the event to successfully deliver capacity and connectivity, station upgrades and brand new stations.
• Through effective influencing of key stakeholders, particularly TfWM and Network Rail, be able to demonstrate the needs and opinions of WMT to be taken into early consideration on key decisions so that optimum outcomes are delivered as far as reasonably possible.
• Monitor programme changes to ensure they are controlled, and risks and issues are identified and proactively managed, including timely escalation for senior management attention as required.

You will bring with you the following skills and experience:

• Educated to bachelor’s degree or equivalent level in business, events, rail management or related field.
• Exceptional levels of building of strong working relationships within and outside the company, particularly at peer group level and communicating constructively in a clear and concise manner. Has the ability to persuade and inspire others.
• Experience of turning strategic concepts into practical solutions. Proven ability to make rational, realistic and sound decisions based on good analysis of the full facts and consideration of the different options and outcomes.
• Ability to respond to a wide range of complex and conflicting interests and to communicate effectively with key stakeholders in their resolution. 
• Deep understanding of the mechanics of railway franchising and rail industry commercial frameworks.
• Experience sponsorship and business lead for £multi-million major projects.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills for both public and private sector organisations.
• Significant experience of negotiations with Government and public bodies.
• Experience of consultation with customers and stakeholders.

In addition to a competitive salary, West Midlands Trains offers a wealth of benefits including first class travel on Abellio trains for you, your partner and dependant children, 75% discount on other train travel over most of the UK rail network, access to an Employee Recognition and Benefits Platform, development opportunities to help further your career with West Midlands Trains, and a defined benefit salary pension as well as an opportunity to participate in the company's health scheme.

Applications will be considered from internal colleagues with 6 months experience after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.