Commercial Operations and Efficiency Manager in Birmingham

We have a brand-new opportunity for a Commercial Operations and Efficiency Manager to join a new team at the heart of Transport for West Midlands' (TfWM) growing commercial activity, helping to shape how we deliver sustainable, value-driven services that benefit communities across the region. You will play a key role in ensuring TfWM's non-farebox commercial activities are operationally efficient, financially robust, and delivering genuine value. Working across a diverse and evolving commercial portfolio, you will critically assess revenue streams, understand the true cost of delivery, identify opportunities to streamline processes, and ensure commercial activities are both effective and profitable. You will help develop a clear catalogue of commercial services across TfWM, providing insight into ownership, delivery models, and profitability, enabling smarter decisions about where we invest, grow, or improve services. Joining at a pivotal stage of growth and transformation, you will have the opportunity to help establish processes, shape ways of working, and influence the culture of a new team. We're looking for a commercially minded and detail-focused individual who is motivated by making a difference, thrives in a varied environment, and is passionate about delivering positive outcomes for the West Midlands region.

What you will be doing:

• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and reduce cost of sale
• Monitor and analyse performance metrics to identify areas for improvement
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Engage with workstream owners and operational teams to communicate efficiency priorities
• Sponsor and lead cost-reduction projects across the commercial function
• Identify and resolve revenue leakage across non-farebox streams
• Provide clear financial insight and options to inform investment
• Collaborate with teams affected by new revenue streams to ensure understanding of operational, compliance and resource implications
• Track efficiency KPIs (time-to-market, cycle time, cost-to-serve)

What's essential:

• Significant commercial-operations experience, with responsibility for cost control, efficiency or profitability across multiple workstreams
• Demonstrable experience of working with data insights to instigate reviews, planning and evaluation
• Proficient at managing multiple workstreams and implementing relevant projects either in collaboration with partners, or independently
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams
• Sound business and financial acumen with ability to interpret financial and performance data and establish activities
• Ability to constructively challenge proposals and influence senior stakeholders using evidence‑based insight
• Degree or equivalent in a Business Management, Finance or relevant subject

Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 3 days a week spent in the office.

Salary and benefits:

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

Reasonable adjustments: Reasonable adjustments for accessibility needs are welcomed. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, you may get in touch with our Recruitment Team at careers@wmca.org.uk.

Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).