As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.
We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are looking to recruit a Business Planning Manager, on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Birmingham.
In this role you will be managing the business planning requirements under the National Rail Contract (NRC) of delivering the WMT Annual Business Plan and quarterly Business Plan updates and to meet the strategic objectives under the contract.
What does the job involve?
* Own, develop and deliver the Annual Business Plan through a co-ordinated programme across WMT.
* Develop Action Plans and supporting business cases for major changes to the cost base, both inside and outside of the Business Plan process.
* Develop reform and business change opportunities, working collaboratively with other Subject Matter Experts and Heads of across the business.
* Refine the Business Plan and keep this Plan 'current' as part of the quarterly update process.
* Support the Client Relationship and Contract Management team with the setting (and achievement) of KPIs, benchmarks and targets.
* Prepare and submit proposals and business cases which improve outcomes for passengers, improve cost effectiveness or generate additional revenue.
* Manage the relationship with DfT for all aspects of the Business Planning process
* Identify and build relationships with key external stakeholders, particularly DfT and Network Rail, ensuring that the needs of WMT are taken into consideration on key decisions so that optimum outcomes for the business including existing and future National Rail Contracts are achieved.
* Develop business cases and third-party funding mechanism proposals (and with third parties where appropriate) to ensure that WMT can access any local and regional opportunities.
* Support the Finance and Client Relationship and Contract Management teams to identify, develop and of Cost Budget Change Events to the Department.
For a full list of responsibilities, please see the attached job description.
What skills and experience do I need to do the job?
* Able to build strong working relationships within and outside the company, particularly at peer group level and communicate constructively in a clear and concise manner.
* Has the ability to persuade others at all levels of the business.
* 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.
* Good understanding of the mechanics of rail industry commercial frameworks.
* Pro-active individual with an ability to engage with others quickly to establish relationships on all levels.
* Able to understand and absorb substantial amounts of information quickly and accurately and seek appropriate action to deliver realistic solutions.
What are the salary and benefits?
* Salary of up to �55,000 depending on experience
* Final salary pension - one of the best pension schemes avai
