Business Planning and Improvement Manager in Birmingham

Closing Date: Friday 3rd July 2026

Overview

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving business performance, governance excellence, and continuous improvement? CrossCountry is seeking an experienced Business Planning & Improvement Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping our future direction.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Strategic Business Planning
  • Lead the development, coordination and submission of CrossCountry’s Annual Business Plan to the Department for Transport Operator (DfTO).
  • Ensure business plans align with organisational strategy, client priorities and contractual obligations.
  • Work with stakeholders across the business to develop initiatives that support strategic and medium‑term objectives.
  • Support communications and engagement activities linked to business planning.
• Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management
  • Act as the primary day‑to‑day contact between CrossCountry and the Department for Transport Operator.
  • Build strong, collaborative relationships that support successful delivery and positive outcomes.
  • Establish credibility with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Governance, Performance & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide oversight of governance forums and decision‑making processes, ensuring they are effective, efficient and value‑adding.
  • Drive improvements in planning, governance and performance management frameworks.
  • Use data and insight to inform decisions, challenge assumptions and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Lead the preparation and quality assurance of performance scorecard evidence submissions.
  • Identify and deliver initiatives that maximise performance outcomes and support achievement of Performance Based Fee targets.
  • Develop robust business cases to support investment and organisational priorities.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Work closely with colleagues across strategy, finance, performance and operational teams, as well as industry partners.
  • Ensure all activities support National Rail Contract requirements and organisational objectives.

About You

• Experience managing complex, contract‑led stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with clients, regulators or oversight bodies.
• Experience working with performance frameworks, scorecards or qualitative assessment regimes.
• Strong analytical, planning and influencing skills.
• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Track record of leading strategic planning, governance or performance improvement activities within complex and regulated environments.
• Experience within rail, transport or wider public sector environments.
• Knowledge of recognised programme, portfolio or PMO methodologies such as MoP, MSP, PRINCE2 or P3M.
• Experience managing business planning processes and evidence‑based submissions.
• Background working with strategy, finance or performance functions.
• Professional qualifications in programme management, governance, risk or contract management.
• MBA or other relevant postgraduate qualification.

Why Join CrossCountry

Opportunity to make a real impact on the future of one of Britain’s most important rail operators. Collaborative environment where innovation, continuous improvement and professional development are encouraged and supported.

Diversity & Inclusion

At CrossCountry, we believe our people should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t just part of our strategy— it’s central to our success. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential.