Please note: This role is a Maternity Cover, up to 13 months FTC or secondment.

About Us

Rail matters in the West Midlands. It’s vital that we have rail services across our region that are fit for the future and able to support our ambitious plans for growth and economic prosperity; helping commuters get to work, businesses and communities to connect with each other and welcoming visitors to the heart of the country.

In the past we haven’t had the influence we needed to make the right local decisions about local rail services. That’s changed now, with overall responsibility for the regional rail network moving from Whitehall to the West Midlands. Today, the West Midlands Rail Executive is providing the leadership and drive to shape better rail services for the future by working with government, train operators, rail regulators and other partners to deliver the improvements that West Midlanders want and need.

We don’t operate the trains, but we work closely with the organisations providing train services to support their plans for making services better – and we hold them to account when things go wrong. We’re part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which means that local councillors sit on our board and can make sure the views and issues raised by the local people they represent can steer our plans. Our work is championed by the Mayor of the West Midlands who is committed to delivering a new, golden era for our local trains.

About the Role

West Midlands Rail Executive is looking to recruit a Franchise Delivery Officer to support the Head of Rail Franchising and Partnerships in the management of the West Midlands rail Franchise. This Franchise, let in December 2017 to West Midlands Trains, will result in nearly £1 billion of investment in services in the West Midlands. This will mean more space on trains, more frequent services and better facilities for passengers.

West Midlands Rail Executive leads on the management of the Franchise within the West Midlands region, working in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT). The Franchise Delivery Officer will be responsible for providing contract management support to the Head of Rail Franchising and Partnerships, answering ministerial correspondence on behalf of the DfT, analysing reports from the Franchisee West Midlands Trains, as well as providing organisational support to the West Midlands Rail Executive team.

The role requires an individual capable of interrogating and interpreting extensive and complex evidence provided by West Midlands Trains in order to determine whether various elements of the obligations in the Franchise agreement have been delivered in the manner required under the contract.

In order to achieve this outcome, the successful applicant will be able to handle large volumes of complex information, influence and persuade others, work under pressure to deliver to deadlines, and support the management of a strong and collaborative working relationship between West Midlands Rail Executive and the DfT.

In return for your hard work and commitment, we will reward you with a range of competitive and attractive benefits.

We are committed to developing an organisation that is representative of the diverse communities that we serve and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The following groups are currently under-represented: young people, Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups and women at senior levels.

Wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance and support service delivery for the customer

To view and apply for these opportunities please visit https://www.wmca.org.uk/careers/ where you will be required to register with our Online Recruitment System which is quick and easy. Please provide detailed information in your application outlining your suitability for the post and ensure it is submitted by the closing date.

A CV may be uploaded for extra information, but please note that personal details should be omitted and a CV alone will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 23 April 2019

Interview date: 01 May 2019

We are committed to equality of opportunity in service provision and employment. Our recruitment policies, procedures and practices enable all applicants to be considered on merit and ability to do the job. We will make reasonable adjustments, in line with the Equality Act, for disabled applicants if these are needed.