West Coast Partnership Development is the trusted partner of the Department for Transport (DfT) who are working towards creating and implementing the operations for High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2). We will 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 are excited to present an opportunity to join the Finance & Contracts team as the Head of Finance (Future Operator) on a permanent contract.

The Head of Finance (Future Operator) is responsible for leading the development of WCPD Cost Baselines for the mobilisation and operation of the Integrated and High-Speed Services; and leading the business case development process across the Accepted Programme. The role will also be responsible for maintaining the relationship with key industry partners to ensure accurate and fit-for-purpose outputs in each of these areas

In this role, you will:

*    Lead the ongoing development of the Strategic Operating Baseline Forecast (SOBF) Modelling Suite and the ongoing development of the Transitional Programme Modelling Suite, working across the business and providing updates at agreed intervals.

*    Lead the development of business cases across the Accepted Programme to support option appraisal and decision-making

*    Work with teams across WPCD to understand and develop requirements for business case outputs and other future operator financial analysis

*    Maintain the content of WCPD’s Business Case Framework to ensure that this is kept fit-for-purpose

*    Ensure that business case outputs are compliant with contractual and Business Case Framework requirements

*    Oversee financial input into ongoing programme assumptions tracking and development

*    Lead the development and maintenance of the relevant modelling suites and supporting financial models

*    Maintain day-to-day relationship with DfT and HS2 relating to operating costs and revenues for the future operator

*    Represent future operator finance at governance forums as appropriate

*    Support to the WCPD Finance and Contracts Director on strategic finance matters

We are looking for someone who has:

*       A high degree of knowledge of Excel and best-practice financial modelling

*       The ability to describe complex technical issues in a clear non-technical way

*       Recent experience of working in a financial planning or modelling role

*       Extensive experience in an operational or divisional rail finance function.

*       Working knowledge of the various aspects of a rail P&L and good appreciation of an operational Train Operating Company.

*       ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualification

*       Strong analytical and interpretative skills

*       Able to work on fully integrated (P&L, balance sheet) models

*       Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

You can review more information and full details of the Role Profile here:

The role is based in London. The expectation will be a minimum of 3 days per week in our office near Euston station and Warren Street Underground Station.

Salary: competitive package depending on skills & experience.

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).

https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/about-us/a-pioneering-partnership

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!