Head of Business Support

Head of Business Support

Norwich Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the East Anglia contract, ensuring compliance and performance excellence.
  • Company: Join SRSUK, a leading service supplier in the UK rail industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy growth opportunities, a passionate team, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of rail transport.
  • Qualifications: Strong contract management skills and NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience required.
  • Other info: Apply by 8th August 2025 for a career on the right track!

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We are Recruiting!

Are you passionate about the future of rail transport? Do you want to be part of a team that\’s shaping the next generation of trains using cutting-edge technology? Look no further! Join us as a Head of Business Support where you will lead the East Anglia contract, ensuring contractual compliance, budget control, and performance excellence through strategic leadership, technical insight, and stakeholder engagement..

Who we are:

SRSUK is a proud subsidiary of Stadler Rail AG Switzerland. At SRSUK we take pride in delivering high-class services for our modern trains across the UK. Our established presence in passenger rail, combined with our expanding expertise in freight rail, positions us as a leading service supplier in the UK rail industry. We are dedicated to continuous growth and technical innovation, in line with our ambitious business strategy.

Why Join Us:

Innovative Environment: Working in a fast paced, results orientated environment, you will proactively work alongside your team to ensure services are available.

Growth and Development: You will be part of a dynamic company committed to the development of our people, offering opportunities for learning and career development.

Passionate Team: You will manage a dedicated team working diligently to deliver and provide an essential service successfully collaborating with key stakeholders.

Customer-Centric Approach: You will work effectively to ensure the needs and expectations of our service users are supplied with the highest standards of service.

What We\’re Looking For: We\’re seeking proactive individuals who align with our company KPI\’s and values. If you are looking to make a difference and deliver high quality service then we want to hear from you.

Role Overview:

As Head of Business Support, you will lead and manage the East Anglia contract, ensuring all TSA contractual obligations are met to the highest standard, on time and within budget. You\’ll guide performance and maintenance planning, support commercial negotiations, and foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Your leadership will be collaborative, inclusive, and focused on building strong relationships across teams and stakeholders.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT

The Head of Business Support will serve as the lead focal point and administrator for SRMS, taking overall responsibility for the Stadler TSA maintenance contract within SRSUK. This role involves ensuring that all contractual deliverables, milestones, and payment schedules are accurately tracked and fulfilled, while providing commercial guidance across both existing and emerging contracts. A key focus will be on ensuring Stadler\’s adherence to maintenance and overhaul KPI\’s, leading regular performance reviews and audits, and escalating non-compliance with clear remediation plans. The successful candidate will develop and oversee strategies to reduce liquidated damages, including proactive schedule monitoring, entitlement claims, and enforcement of performance regimes, while identifying potential exposures early and collaborating with planning, engineering, and procurement teams to mitigate risks.

They will maintain an up-to-date risk register and manage performance-related processes across fleet engineering and operations, collating and analysing data to identify trends and inform decision-making across relevant teams. Using SRMS, they will oversee the planning and execution of preventive maintenance, overhauls, modifications, repairs, and work arising, ensuring all aspects of the contract are delivered reliably, compliantly, and sustainably. The role includes organising and facilitating Management Review meetings to monitor KPI\’s and drive action plans, liaising with customer representatives to ensure satisfaction, and leading monthly meetings and commercial negotiations. Responsibilities also include preparing variation orders, submitting exonerating event claims, and supporting the local supply chain in securing favourable terms.

This position requires a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a strong commitment to fostering a positive and high-performing culture across all functions involved in the maintenance contracts. The Head of Business Support will also utilise SRMS for resource and work order planning, analyse feedback on delayed or missed work orders, contribute to effective daily planning meetings, and develop process flows that incorporate Lean Methodology and 6S Principles to enhance operational efficiency.

Closing date for applications is Friday 8th August 2025

Apply now for a career that is on the right track!

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Essential Criteria

•Strong understanding of contract and commercial management principles.
•Confident analytical and planning abilities, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
•Adaptable and open to change, with a continuous improvement mindset.
•Clear and effective communicator, both in writing and verbally.
•Able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
•Holds an NVQ Level 4 qualification (or equivalent experience or certification).

Desirable Criteria

•Familiarity with rail units or similar technical environments.
•Experience in applying continuous improvement methodologies.
•Knowledge or experience in project management practices.

YOUR BENEFITS
YOUR CONTACT PERSON

Laura Davison
HR Assistant
+44 7851 244386
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Head of Business Support employer: Stadler Rail AG

At SRSUK, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer in the rail transport sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and development. As the Head of Business Support, you will lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality services while enjoying opportunities for career advancement and continuous learning. Our collaborative culture, combined with a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, makes SRSUK an exceptional place to build a meaningful career in East Anglia.
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Contact Detail:

Stadler Rail AG Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Business Support

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the rail industry and the specific challenges it faces. Understanding the nuances of rail transport will help you engage effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your passion for the sector during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the rail industry, especially those involved in contract management and business support roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with continuous improvement methodologies and how you've applied them in previous roles. This will showcase your proactive approach to problem-solving and your commitment to enhancing operational efficiency.

✨Tip Number 4

Research SRSUK and Stadler Rail AG thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and future goals. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Support

Contract Management
Commercial Awareness
Analytical Skills
Performance Monitoring
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Control
Problem-Solving Skills
Effective Communication
Time Management
Continuous Improvement Methodologies
Project Management
Risk Management
Data Analysis
Leadership Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Business Support position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in contract and commercial management, as well as any relevant leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and ensure compliance.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Since the role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, include examples in your application where you've successfully navigated challenges or implemented continuous improvement strategies in previous positions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for rail transport and your alignment with the company's values. Make it personal and engaging to stand out from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Stadler Rail AG

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Head of Business Support role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as managing the East Anglia contract and ensuring compliance with TSA obligations. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Since this position requires a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, be prepared to discuss your approach to team management. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on fostering a positive culture and driving performance excellence.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

The role demands strong analytical and planning abilities. Be ready to provide specific examples of challenges you've faced in contract or commercial management and how you proactively solved them. Highlight your continuous improvement mindset and adaptability to change.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the technical nature of the rail industry, brush up on relevant knowledge, especially around maintenance and overhaul KPIs. If you have experience with Lean Methodology or project management practices, be sure to mention these during the interview to showcase your fit for the role.

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