At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative commercial programmes to drive growth and innovation in the rail industry.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a forward-thinking leader in rail transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous holiday, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and authenticity in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail while making a real impact on customer experience.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale programmes and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Lead Transformation. Drive Growth. Shape the Future of Rail. We are looking for an exceptional commercial leader with a passion for delivering large‑scale transformation to join us at Avanti for the high impact role of Head of Commercial Programmes. Leading from the front, you’ll oversee a portfolio of strategic programmes that will drive innovation, growth and industry‑leading outcomes shaping the future of Avanti and Rail. You will be responsible for the design, delivery and governance of major commercial programmes, ensuring they align with our commercial vision, Department for Transport (DfT) objectives, and the Fares, Ticketing & Retail (FTR) roadmap, as well as broader West Coast Partnership ambitions to grow revenue and passenger numbers.
As Head of Commercial Programmes, you will sit at the heart of our commercial strategy directly influencing how we deliver value to customers, government and the wider industry, ensuring successful execution of cross‑functional initiatives that transform both performance and customer experience, creating lasting commercial impact at scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of high‑impact programmes that drive commercial growth and long‑term success.
- Translate strategic goals into clear plans with measurable, sustainable outcomes.
- Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration to resolve blockers, manage dependencies and support effective decision‑making.
- Project Governance
- Establish and maintain clear governance arrangements across Commercial projects, including steering groups, working groups, reporting cycles and decision‑making forums.
- Ensure projects follow the agreed project lifecycle, governance framework and required approval routes.
- Support the development and implementation of project controls, including project plans, RAID logs, RACI matrices, project execution plans and change control processes.
- Ensure consistent application of BRAG / RAG reporting and escalation criteria across the portfolio.
- Support the development, tracking and reporting of project budgets, forecasts and financial performance.
- Provide senior oversight of project progress, risks, issues, dependencies, milestones and delivery confidence.
- Programme Management and Delivery
- Oversee a portfolio of complex workstreams to enable and drive commercial revenue growth.
- Manage PM resource allocation and capacity to ensure projects are appropriately supported and delivery priorities are effectively met; implement robust programme frameworks, KPIs and assurance processes.
- Build alignment across senior stakeholders internally and externally, including DfT, FTR and RDG.
- Commercial Impact
- Drive initiatives that maximise revenue growth, yield optimisation and performance.
- Partner with Revenue, Marketing and Customer Experience teams to align commercial strategy.
- Support the development and tracking of benefits realisation to ensure expected outcomes are clearly defined, monitored and delivered.
- Leadership and Collaboration
- Lead and develop a high‑performing team of project and PMO professionals.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Strong track record of leading large‑scale, cross‑functional programmes at a senior level.
- Expertise in commercial strategy, transformation or business change within transport, infrastructure or similar regulated sectors.
- Strong knowledge of programme methodologies.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and government level.
- Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, unblock issues and drive delivery progress.
- Experience using project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Workfront or equivalent; understanding of PACE, PRINCE2, APM, MSP or equivalent project delivery methodologies.
Benefits include:
- Final salary pension.
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents.
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel).
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays).
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator.
Be You. With Us.
At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive. We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close‑knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better. We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.
Head of Commercial programmes in London employer: Avanti West Coast
At Avanti West Coast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and growth within the rail industry. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and continuous improvement, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to advance your career. With generous benefits such as a final salary pension, free travel for you and your family, and a supportive environment that values diversity, joining our team means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to shaping the future of rail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial programmes in London
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✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
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Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Commercial programmes position at Avanti West Coast via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial programmes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Avanti West Coast.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Avanti West Coast’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Avanti West Coast. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Avanti West Coast. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Avanti West Coast.
