Rail North

Head of Investment Planning – Rail North          

Salary up to £66k

Rail North and Rail North Partnership

Rail North Limited brings together 29 Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) across the North of England into one cohesive and proactive body, which represents the regional and local economic, transport and strategic objectives for the rail industry. Our new franchises are incredibly ambitious and are critical to the economic success of the northern powerhouse. 

The Rail North Partnership is a joint partnership established between DfT and Rail North deliver the first stage of rail devolution and to manage the new TPE and Northern Franchises from 1 April, including approving any changes to the franchises.  The Partnership will also be involved in developing investment plans for current and future franchises.

About the role

This role requires an effective senior manager to represent the Rail North and DfT partnership’s interests in the delivery of planned infrastructure enhancements that underpin the transformational new Northern and TPE franchises. In the context of Network Rail investment programmes, this role will work closely in partnership with Network Rail, our Franchisees and other key stakeholders to ensure that rail services in the North maximise the positive impact and long term benefits by transforming rail travel in the North.

The role will also work closely with Rail North colleagues and DfT in developing the future requirements for Transpennine Electrification, future infrastructure investment schemes and developing business cases for Rail North and Transport for the North infrastructure investment. Highly visible and influential yet a hands on role - getting things done and ensuring that Rail North and DfT interests are fully protected in developing and delivering short, medium and long term investment plans.

About the person

An effective influencer with senior industry credibility, very commercially astute and an excellent communicator/negotiator with a strong sense of the big picture for the future of rail in the North of England. With appropriate gravitas, be able to develop credible and effective working relationships with Network Rail, franchise operators, DfT, Rail North member authorities, Transport for the North – all at a senior level – driving an investment agenda that optimises the long term growth in rail in the North of England. (Working with national partners requires a flexible approach to travel including some days each month in London, Birmingham and the North).

An experienced outcomes focused senior manager with considerable knowledge and understanding of rail investment, you can be up and running quickly, making a difference to our management team from day one. A strategic thinker on long term investment, able to contribute to delivering our vision and able to delve into the detail without being overwhelmed by it. You will bring excellent programme management or programme sponsorship and performance management experience Knowledge and understanding of rail franchises and major rail investment schemes is a particular advantage.

Joining Rail North now opens up significant potential for growth in role and the opportunity to have a real impact on the lives of millions of people living in the North. The organisation and its teams will grow providing the scope for career development.

Benefits

Through WYCA (host employer for Rail North) a very competitive benefits package including (but not limited to):

• Home working and flexi-time
• Unlimited free travel on the bus + train within West Yorks.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (career average salary scheme)
• Holidays - 28 days plus bank holidays (30 days after 5 years 32 days after 10 years service) + purchase additional holidays by sacrificing equivalent salary.

If you have any queries about this appointment, about your application, or would like an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Mark Tobin on 07717 725 844 or Stephen Cooley on 07747 698829 or 0161 835 3377.

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