Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeast, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone. The primary purpose of this role is to maintain collaborative commercial relationships with Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to effectively deliver high profile contracts, ensuring taxpayers receive value for money and the benefits of investments in our railways are maximised. This role sits within the Rail Services Group in the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO).
Responsibilities
* Support the day-to-day management of the contract/agreement, ensuring operators meet their contractual obligations and are supported and challenged to deliver agreed outcomes.
* Manage day-to-day issues as they arise - e.g. monitoring train performance, drafting reports or briefings and correspondence, and ensuring TOC improvement is supported as necessary.
* Gain extensive experience in stakeholder and supplier management and build up to having strong contract management capability.
* Develop commercial awareness to support the Department for Transport Operator in delivering positive outcomes for rail passengers.
* Support the team to work collaboratively with senior-level members of the rail operators and infrastructure managers as delivery partners.
* Manage the day-to-day contractual relationship between internal experts and train operators and DfTO, ensuring business plan commitments and contractual obligations are monitored through to completion, with appropriate auditability in place.
* Develop a collaborative working relationship with the operator to ensure passengers and taxpayers are protected.
* Build expert knowledge of the National Rail Contract (NRC) and subsequent Services Agreement (SA) relevant processes, using this knowledge to effectively manage the contract on a day-to-day basis.
* Proactively address day-to-day issues as they arise and provide advice to senior colleagues on emerging risks.
* Work in partnership with colleagues to manage contractual changes and approvals, ensuring proper and accurate records are maintained.
* Lead and support operator negotiations, variations and enforcement procedures as required.
* Support colleagues with periodic updates of dashboards, milestones and risk registers as required.
* Develop and present evidence-based recommendations to the Deputy Director or other DfTO and DfT approval bodies.
* Provide advice and briefing including dealing with correspondence from external stakeholders and the public, within challenging timescales.
* Work closely with the Public Ownership Transition (POTP) team.
Qualifications and Skills
* Excellent planning and organisation skills.
* Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, and ability to collaborate with team members and stakeholders at all levels.
* A proactive approach to delivering results in a fast-paced environment; ability to take initiative and manage time and priorities effectively.
* Ability to work under pressure supporting large projects and adapt to changing demands.
* Close attention to detail, strong organisation, and ability to solve problems to meet deadlines and deliver agreed outputs.
* Interest in commercial or contract management to ensure decisions are consistent with affordability constraints, represent value for money and are in the best interests of taxpayers and passengers.
* Openness to developing own knowledge and skills.
#J-18808-Ljbffr