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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and secure contracts with Transport for London.
- Company: Join Arriva London, a leader in the transport sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public transport and drive commercial success.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial leadership experience and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Lead the commercial strategy for Arriva London to secure, retain and maximise route contracts with Transport for London, ensuring the business maintains a strong and sustainable pipeline of work. As a member of the Arriva London Senior Leadership Team, the role shapes commercial direction, oversees scheduling and iBus performance, and ensures the organisation is positioned to deliver operational excellence and commercial growth. The role also carries Statutory Director responsibilities for the areas within its remit.
Key Accountabilities
- Define and deliver the commercial strategy for Arriva London, aligned to the broader UK Bus and Group strategy.
- Lead the identification, development and delivery of new tender opportunities, contract renewals and contract optimisation initiatives.
- Maintain a strong pipeline of TfL route opportunities and ensure the business is positioned competitively in the London market.
- Build and maintain the senior relationship with Transport for London, ensuring effective engagement and strong contractual performance.
- Maximise revenue through strong operational performance, including Quality Incentive Contract (QIC) performance and rail replacement opportunities.
- Ensure data, insight and operational performance metrics inform commercial strategy and decision making.
Operational & Commercial Leadership
- Lead the Commercial, Scheduling and iBus teams, ensuring strong performance, clear accountability and alignment to business objectives.
- Ensure the full capability of scheduling systems such as Optibus is utilised to deliver efficient and commercially effective network plans.
- Oversee the delivery of key commercial projects and initiatives aligned to strategic priorities.
- Work closely with Operations, Engineering and Resourcing teams to ensure the organisation can deliver future commercial commitments.
Leadership & Culture
- Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of Arriva London as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Lead, develop and motivate high-performing teams that deliver strong commercial outcomes.
- Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across operational and support functions.
- Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and commercial awareness across the business.
- Demonstrate visible leadership in relation to health, safety and operational standards.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
Industrial relations
Arriva London operates in a highly unionised environment. The role requires the development and maintenance of strong, constructive relationships with Unite the Union to support effective partnership working, including consultation, negotiation and the management of complex industrial relations matters.
Knowledge, skills and experience
- Senior commercial leader with significant experience in complex, regulated environments.
- Proven track record of securing and retaining major contracts or tenders.
- Experience operating at executive or board level and contributing to strategic decision making.
- Strong experience managing complex industrial relations environments.
- Proven leadership capability, including developing and leading high-performing teams.
- Excellent influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to translate strategy into delivery.
- Strong analytical and decision-making capability.
- Experience in the Bus sector is preferred.
Commercial Director employer: Arriva UK Bus
Contact Detail:
Arriva UK Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in the transport sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience in securing and retaining contracts. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial success in previous roles – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current projects and challenges. Understand their relationship with Transport for London and think about how you can contribute to their commercial strategy. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team at Arriva London. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Commercial Director role. Highlight your experience in securing contracts and leading teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led high-performing teams in the past. Share examples of how you've motivated your team and contributed to strategic decision-making, especially in complex environments like the bus sector.
Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen: Use your application to illustrate your understanding of commercial strategy and operational excellence. Include any relevant metrics or achievements that showcase your ability to maximise revenue and maintain strong contractual performance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Arriva London.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva UK Bus
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the commercial strategy of Arriva London and how it aligns with the broader UK Bus and Group strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to defining and delivering this strategy.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since building strong relationships with Transport for London is key, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've maintained effective partnerships in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a potential member of the Senior Leadership Team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you've fostered collaboration and accountability within your teams.
✨Prepare for Industry-Specific Questions
Given the focus on the bus sector and industrial relations, brush up on current trends and challenges in the industry. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing complex industrial relations and how you would approach these matters at Arriva London.