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- Tasks: Lead key ferry routes, driving performance and optimising capacity.
- Company: Major UK transport operator undergoing transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for impactful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ferry operations and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven P&L ownership and strong commercial judgement required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A major UK-based transport operator is undergoing a period of transformation and is seeking three senior commercial leaders to take ownership of key operational routes. Each role operates at Head of level, with full P&L accountability for a major route within the organisation's network. The positions are strategically focused and play a critical role in driving commercial performance, optimising capacity and leading cross-functional collaboration during a key phase of change. The three routes cover:
- Channel
- North Sea
- Irish Sea
Key Responsibilities
- Full ownership of financial performance for an assigned route, including revenue, cost control, contribution and long-term planning
- Lead route strategy through detailed analysis of market trends, customer demand and operational constraints
- Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Fleet, Ports and Finance teams to optimise overall route performance
- Develop, manage and report against route KPIs in collaboration with performance and finance teams
- Identify early indicators of underperformance and lead corrective action plans
- Balance passenger and freight requirements to maximise route contribution
- Identify and drive profitable growth opportunities across pricing, capacity and service delivery
- Chair and manage regular route performance meetings, ensuring actions are clearly tracked and delivered
- Prepare and present route performance updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholders
- Coordinate budget, forecast and multi-year planning for the route
Candidate Profile
- Proven P&L ownership at a senior level
- Strong commercial judgement with the ability to translate data into decisions
- Experience operating in a matrix or cross-functional environment
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders without direct line management
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to present financial information clearly
- Experience managing performance through periods of change or transformation
Personal Attributes
- Confident, resilient and comfortable operating in a high-visibility role
- Strong communicator, able to engage at all levels of an organisation
- Commercially curious and solutions-focused
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity through change
- Collaborative leadership style with a strong sense of ownership
Head of Routes (Ferry Operations) - Surrey employer: Spinnaker
Contact Detail:
Spinnaker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Routes (Ferry Operations) - Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Routes role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its routes. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their transformation goals. Show them you’re the perfect fit for driving commercial performance!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to clearly articulate your P&L ownership and how you’ve driven growth in previous roles. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Routes (Ferry Operations) - Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Routes role. Highlight your P&L ownership experience and any relevant commercial achievements. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and led teams through change.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to interpret data. Include examples where your analysis led to successful decision-making or strategy development.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our transformation journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spinnaker
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Routes position, you need to be well-versed in P&L management. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue and controlled costs in previous roles. This will show that you can take ownership of financial performance.
✨Market Trends Mastery
Familiarise yourself with current market trends related to ferry operations, especially in the Channel, North Sea, and Irish Sea. Be prepared to share insights on how these trends could impact route strategy and customer demand. This demonstrates your analytical capability and commercial judgement.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working across different teams like Commercial, Operations, and Finance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional initiatives in the past. This will showcase your collaborative leadership style and ability to drive performance during periods of change.
✨Engage Senior Stakeholders
Practice how you'll present route performance updates to senior leadership. Use clear, concise language and focus on key KPIs. Being able to influence and engage stakeholders without direct line management is crucial, so demonstrate your strong communication skills during the interview.
