Job Description

Posted 17 April 2025
Salary Competitive
LocationLondon
Job type Permanent - Full Time
Reference034292
Job FunctionHeadquarters
Contact NameDiego Fuentes & Anthony Perret

West Coast Partnership Development is a trusted partner of the Department for Transport (DfT) who are working towards creating and implementing the operations for High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2). Working to design, develop and mobilise the high-speed service operations which will deliver benefits including more capacity, quicker journey times and a step-change in customer experience.





We would like to present an exciting opportunity to join the WCPD PMO & Transitional Programme team as a

Head of Systems.

The Head of Systems will lead the development and implementation of a systems strategy (operational and business systems) for the future operator of high-speed services.





This role will also lead the strategic alignment of the Integrated Operator's operational and business systems with business objectives, ensuring that the future operator can deliver a high-quality service, and day-to-day operations of IT infrastructure across the organization.





The successful candidate will be the WCPD subject matter expert on IT systems, digital transformation, data strategy, and the specific technology needs within the railway sector, including safety-critical systems and regulatory compliance.







The key responsibilities of the role include:





Develop and deliver the Shadow Operator Systems Strategy and the Shadow Operator Systems Roadmap and any other required system strategies and plans. Establish and deliver the full suite of operational and business systems, and approaches required by the future operator to deliver the business objectives. Work closely with colleagues and industry partners (particularly HS2 Ltd) to establish a system architecture that is robust, scalable, and is seamless integrated across the industry wide systems. Lead evolution of this in response to the introduction of high-speed services and wider industry changes implemented by GBR (Great British Railways). Collaborate with WCPD colleagues, Industry Partners (including Avanti West Coast, DfT, HS2 Ltd and Network Rail) and the supply chain to design and deliver future IT systems architecture that meets operational and business needs and align to wider industry needs and requirements. Lead the Shadow Operator input into HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and other stakeholder systems, working with subject matter experts to ensure that systems owned and/or developed by others are compatible with the needs of the future operator. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in systems, IT processes and service delivery to support delivery of business objectives, including delivery of the passenger proposition and operational performance. Oversee the protection of company data and systems from cyber threats, ensuring compliance with industry regulations (such as GDPR) and the highest standards of cybersecurity. Ensure all IT operations and business systems comply with UK railway industry standards, safety regulations, and statutory requirements. Work with regulatory bodies to stay up to date with evolving technology standards. Collaborate with industry partners to identify, assess and mitigate IT and systems risks. Manage future supplier relationships including any procurements. Build and mentor a high-performing team.


Ensuring productive, effective and efficient relationships with key stakeholders including:





WCPD and Avanti colleagues and Industry Partners (DfT, HS2 Ltd, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and Network Rail.


The

role is based

in London and with the requirement for some travel on our network at times. The expectation will be a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

West Coast Partnership Development

West Coast Partnership comprises two distinct parts - Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development. Avanti West Coast runs the InterCity West Coast train services from London to north England, north Wales and Scotland.


Our work in WCPD is focused on developing plans for what the new high-speed services will look like (customer experience), how they will work (railway operations) and how we will start running new services and trains (mobilisation). Over the next 10 years we will develop and implement a programme (HS2 Ltd are building the new railway and associated infrastructure).

Your application

At WCPD, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! We recognise the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.


Everyone who joins us becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that we are expansive and a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use!