At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead revenue growth initiatives and connect commercial strategies across train operators.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group, driving industry reform.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with at least one day a week in London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a critical period of railway transformation towards Great British Railways.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and relationship-building skills; experience in rail is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About DFT Operator
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeast, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
The Role
The Head of Revenue Opportunity is the link between commercial and customer directors across operators, and the point of connection for the emerging GBR approach to growing revenue. Working alongside the rest of the Customer & Revenue Growth team, you will join the dots across operators, build trusted relationships, and keep commercial initiatives aligned and moving at a time when the revenue trading environment is challenging. In practice you will help shape the practical path towards GBR, testing the relationships between different parts of the industry ahead of time and ensuring major commercial priorities are aligned before formal structures are in place. Reporting to the Head of Revenue Analysis in the Customer & Revenue Growth team, you will work across DFTO teams including Revenue Strategy and Finance, while building key relationships with train operator Commercial Directors.
What you will do
- Take an active role in specific projects, including the revenue management system procurement, making sure they are joined up rather than running in isolation.
- Integrate fares, ticketing and retail priorities into the wider commercial agenda as they become part of the Customer & Commercial Directors Group.
- Accelerate the transition by ensuring commercial initiatives get the right priority across operators, sharing what works, and giving a tough revenue environment the best possible chance of hitting its targets.
- Lead the forward agenda for the Customer & Commercial Directors Group, ensuring the right issues are escalated, decisions are prepared properly, and supporting groups are aligned behind shared commercial priorities.
- Keep regular reporting consistent and connect activity on forecasts, working with the forecasting leads in CRG so operators take a common approach.
- Drive benchmarking against industry models, and bring commercial insight from across operators into the rail services teams as they grow.
- Use your influence with operators and across DFTO to keep everyone focused on the things that matter most: reducing subsidy and growing revenue.
About you
- An outgoing relationship builder, ready to win the confidence of senior commercial teams across operators.
- Strong commercially, with a real grasp of how rail revenue is grown and the constraints, opportunities and risks involved, ideally with experience inside an operator.
- Comfortable working at pace in a setting where things are still taking shape and it is not always clear where accountability sits.
- Able to adapt as the picture around GBR develops, and energised rather than unsettled by that uncertainty.
- A natural connector who enjoys working across organisational boundaries, sharing what works, and bringing people together around a common goal.
Why this role
You will be at the centre of one of the biggest reforms the railway has seen in a generation, helping a new organisation find its shape and paving the way towards GBR. If you want commercial impact, visibility across the industry and the chance to influence how the future railway grows its revenue, this is the role for you. The fixed nine‑month term gives you a focused opportunity to make a visible contribution during a critical period of change.
DFTO Benefits
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry
Contact
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk
Head of Revenue Opportunity employer: DfT Operator
DFTO is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of significant railway reform while working in a collaborative and dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including a competitive pension scheme and ample annual leave, DFTO fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Revenue Opportunity
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Revenue Opportunity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from DfT Operator.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show DfT Operator that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
