Head of Operations

time left to apply End Date: March 25, 2025 (12 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR029870

Head of Operations

Arriva Rail London

Southwark, London (Hybrid)

Permanent

Arriva Rail London (ARL) is an industry-leading train operating company, responsible for running the London Overground network under a Concession Agreement with Transport for London (TfL) and is part of the Arriva group.

Here at Arriva, we are on our way to becoming the leading passenger transport partner across Europe, delivering more than 2.2 billion passenger journeys across 14 different European countries every year. We have a vision to help shape a future where passenger transport is the best choice, through digitisation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, we want you to join us at the forefront of the passenger transport industry!

Are you a dynamic and experienced leader looking to make a real impact in the rail industry? Arriva Rail London is seeking a Head of Operations to lead our Driver Management teams, enhance operational safety, and drive continuous improvement.

In this pivotal role, you will shape the future of our Driver workforce, build strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, and ensure we deliver a safe, reliable, and high-performing service. With a focus on leadership, strategy, and collaboration, this is a unique opportunity to influence operations at one of London’s leading train operators.

What you’ll be doing:

1. The Head of Operations will lead Driver Strategy & Development by defining, implementing and refining Arriva Rail London’s Driver management and development strategy.
2. You will ensure safety excellence by overseeing Driver safety initiatives, leading the Operational Safety Improvement Group, and driving seasonal preparedness.
3. Trade Union Relations will be another key part of this role, you will lead negotiations with ASLEF on pay deals and significant change proposals, ensuring effective consultation.
4. Another key focus for this position will be Optimisation of Driver Resourcing, you will work with Resourcing and L&D teams to manage recruitment, training, and establishment control.
5. You will improve Driver availability by implementing processes to manage non-availability and support swift return to productive work.
6. The Head of Operations will oversee the MTR Crossrail contract for the Romford-Upminster service, ensuring high standards.
7. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with industry partners, including Network Rail, TOCs, and London Underground.
8. This individual will represent ARL at key industry forums and contribute to wider rail sector discussions.
9. You will also be responsible for enhancing Driver performance, management quality, and operational efficiency.
10. The Head of Operations will also inspire and develop the Operations team, upholding Arriva’s values and strategic vision.

Qualifications:

1. This individual will need to have significant senior management experience, including leading a management team, within an operational railway setting.
2. Ideally this individual will be educated to a degree standard or equivalent, or will need to have strong industry knowledge and experience.
3. Extensive experience of managing trade union relationships will be another key part of this role, especially concerning large change programmes.
4. You will need to have had strong experience in managing Train Drivers and Train Driver Management teams, with an extensive understanding of the Train Driver role.
5. This individual will need to be highly skilled at negotiating and influencing stakeholders, with strong understanding of the collective bargaining machinery and relevant terms and conditions.
6. You will need to have a detailed understanding of the mechanics of rostering and resourcing Train Drivers.
7. Ideally this individual will have relevant knowledge of Concession and Committed Obligations, knowledge gained from working in a Train Operating Company operating as part of a Concession Agreement.
8. You will need to be a highly analytical individual with strong interpersonal skills and an excellent presenter, with the ability to write detailed reports and business cases.

What you’ll get:

1. Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network – this alone worth total £5,200 per annum
2. Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service
3. Free travel on Arriva branded rail services around the country
4. 75% discount off of season tickets on other Train Operating Companies
5. Arriva Village – web based discounts on various products/services on the high street
6. Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr helpline, covering a multitude of subjects.
7. Entry into the discretionary Arriva Group bonus scheme

At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

About Us

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.