Vertical Links Lead

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Parsons are seeking a seasoned a Vertical Links Lead to lead all activities related to Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for the PUA program, including long-term service contracts, operating agreements, maintenance frameworks, spares and consumables, and outsourced support services.

The role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that secure reliable, cost-effective O&M delivery, while ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with PUA performance and safety objectives.

• Develop and own the O&M strategy for the PUA program, covering operations, maintenance, asset management, and support services.
• Define sourcing strategies and category plans for:
• Operations service providers and operators
• Preventive and corrective maintenance services
• Long-term maintenance contracts and performance-based agreements
• Spare parts, consumables, tools, and specialist equipment
• Technical support, OEM services, and asset management systems
• Align O&M with lifecycle cost targets, reliability/availability requirements, and risk allocation strategy.
• Lead market sounding and industry engagement for O&M and related services to understand capability, capacity, and commercial models.
• Oversee preparation of all O&M-related documents, including:
• RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and ITTs
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics
• Commercial conditions, payment mechanisms, and incentive/penalty regimes
• Manage the full tender cycle: issue, clarifications, addenda, technical and commercial evaluation, negotiations, and recommendation for award.
• Ensure robust, auditable evaluation processes, including total cost of ownership and qualitative service criteria.
• Recommend appropriate contracting models for O&M (e.g. O&M contracts, performance-based maintenance, availability-based contracts, framework agreements, PPP/operate components).
• Work with legal, finance, risk, and technical teams to develop balanced contract terms addressing:
• Performance and service levels
• Asset condition and lifecycle obligations
• Interfaces with capital works and systems suppliers
• Risk allocation, warranties, and liquidated damages
• Lead commercial negotiations focused on lifecycle value, risk mitigation, and alignment with PUA operational objectives.
• Build and maintain a qualified supplier base for O&M services, OEMs, and critical spare partners within the transport sector.
• Support definition of performance frameworks, KPIs, and reporting requirements for O&M contracts.
• Establish mechanisms for supplier performance reviews, improvement plans, and escalation processes.
• Promote long-term, collaborative relationships where appropriate, while preserving competition and value-for-money.
• Apply DMO and PUA governance frameworks to all O&M procurement activities.
• Ensure full compliance with public regulations, funding body rules, and internal audit requirements.
• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks related to O&M contracts, feeding into the program-wide risk register.
• Prepare clear reports, evaluation summaries, business cases, and board papers for decision-making forums.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, asset management, engineering, and finance teams to ensure O&M:
• Reflects realistic technical and operational requirements
• Supports asset lifecycle strategies and renewal plans
• Aligns with budgets,…