Head Contracts

We are looking for an experienced Head of Fleet Contracts to lead the strategic and commercial management of our fleet contractual portfolio.

You’ll lead the Fleet Commercial team and oversee key contracts covering rolling stock leasing, train service agreements, maintenance and fleet projects.

You’ll play a key role in maximising value, managing commercial risk and ensuring our contractual arrangements support safe, reliable and cost-effective fleet operations.

• Lead and develop a high-performing Fleet Commercial team.
• Own the fleet contract and supplier management strategy.
• Lead complex negotiations, contract changes, claims and disputes.
• Manage strategic relationships with DfT, ROSCOs, OEMs, Network Rail, maintenance providers and suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance, commercial value and continuous improvement.
• Oversee contractual expenditure, budgets, forecasting and supplier costs.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to the Fleet Director and Fleet & Engineering Leadership Team.
• Ensure strong commercial governance, risk management and contractual compliance.

You’ll have:

• Extensive contract management and commercial leadership experience within rail or a similar complex industry.
• Strong experience of rolling stock contracts, including leasing, maintenance and modifications.
• Knowledge of Train Service Agreements, Fleet Operations and Rolling Stock Leases.
• Experience managing claims and dispute resolution involving rolling stock and/or Network Rail.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management and financial skills.
• Proven experience leading and developing specialist teams.
• A degree in Law, Engineering, Commercial Management or a relevant discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

This is a high-profile opportunity to shape the commercial strategy behind Avanti West Coast’s fleet and work with senior stakeholders across the rail industry.

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! Avanti West Coast recognises 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 Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, 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.