Implementation Specialist

Here at c2c we take pride in being an award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex. Our customers never stand still and neither do we. We anticipate, innovate and flex around our customer’s needs and it takes a great team to do this. We are looking for a dedicated and versatile individual to join our Service Delivery team as a Technical Advisor. It is an exciting time to join c2c as we move into a new era of railway reform, aligning with Great British Railways (GBR) and the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver a simpler, more connected and passenger-focused railway.

Purpose of the Role: The Technical Advisor operates as an IT-literate, collaborative team player, supporting senior leadership and the Service Delivery Management team through the provision of specialist rail operations technical advice. The role underpins the c2c PMO in delivering a high-profile, high-value, and high-impact scheme focused on the introduction of a new Resource and Planning Suite. Acting as a subject matter expert, the Technical Advisor ensures that system design, configuration, and integration are aligned to operational requirements and industry standards, particularly in relation to workforce rostering and its integration with HR and payroll systems. The post holder works closely with project teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to translate business needs into technically viable solutions, provide assurance on delivery quality, and mitigate technical risks, ensuring the solution is robust, compliant, and capable of supporting efficient and scalable rail operations.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide expert advice on operational processes, market information, system requirements, and technical considerations for the new procurement of a Resource and Planning Suite.
• Ensure that the system meets operational needs and integrates effectively with existing rail operations.
• Work closely with the Service Delivery Management team and the c2c PMO to deliver change management activities in support of the Resource and Planning Suite implementation.
• Assist in planning and delivering change management strategies to ensure adoption of the new system and the system is deployed to the full extent of its capabilities.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, operational teams, and technical specialists to ensure alignment between operational requirements and system capabilities.
• Help manage relationships between internal teams and the market.
• Work with operational teams and Business Change Manager to ensure the new system is fully operationally ready before deployment and ensure that employees are adequately trained and prepared for the new system.
• Provide guidance and support in developing training programs and materials for operational staff, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to use the new system effectively.
• Monitor the post-deployment efficacy of the newly deployed resource and planning suite and identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations to optimise the system’s use in daily operations.
• Use market knowledge and industry networks to undertake market and industry engagement and analysis to provide robust impartial advice to the business.
• Build rigorous business cases and supporting papers to undertake financial analysis and present papers to internal portfolio board and Executive teams for discussion and approval.
• Work closely with the c2c Trades Union Company Councils, and local representatives to ensure that business objectives are shared and outcomes developed collaboratively.
• Ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations and that employee confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Provide technical assurance across the design, configuration, and integration of the Resource and Planning Suite, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, operational requirements, and industry standards.
• Ensure robust integration between the Resource and Planning Suite and associated systems (e.g. HR, payroll, train planning), including oversight of data quality, data migration, and system interoperability.
• Provide technical oversight and challenge to suppliers and vendors, ensuring solutions are delivered in line with contractual requirements, specifications, and operational needs.
• Contribute to programme governance by providing technical input to reporting, design authorities, and decision-making forums, ensuring transparency on progress, risks, and technical readiness.
• Support and provide input into system testing (e.g. UAT, operational validation), ensuring the solution is fit for purpose and meets real-world operational scenarios prior to deployment.

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications Required:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, with general education to GCSE, O level, or equivalent standards including English Mathematics and Science to the standard of at least GCSE Grade C/Level 4.
• Strong collaborative leadership capability, with the ability to influence, challenge, and support senior stakeholders including the Head of Service Delivery.
• Ability to investigate, analyse, and interpret complex data accurately, ensuring data quality and integrity, and using insights to inform operational and technical decision-making.
• Demonstrable experience in building robust business cases, supported by detailed knowledge and application of appropriate industry recognised systems and technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of rail operations, particularly in resource planning, scheduling, and operational efficiency.
• Experience with similar large-scale system implementations in a rail or transport environment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2) is beneficial.
• The ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliverables in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment is essential.
• Demonstrable experience working with, or advising on, complex workforce management or rostering systems, including system configuration, integration, and optimisation.
• Strong understanding of system integration principles, particularly in relation to HR, payroll, and operational systems, including data flows, interfaces, and dependencies.
• Experience providing technical assurance within system implementation programmes, including involvement in design reviews, testing (e.g. UAT), and operational validation.
• Experience working with external suppliers and vendors, including supporting procurement activities, evaluating technical solutions, and providing informed challenge to ensure alignment with business requirements.
• Understanding of programme governance, risk management, and issue resolution within large-scale transformation environments.