Head of Operator Performance Assessment

Would you like an opportunity to play a key role with contributing towards the overall improvement of rail operations? Do you enjoy collaborating with industry partners?

If so, we have a fantastic opportunity to join our Operator Performance Assessment (OPA) team, and we would love to hear from you.

The Department for Transport (DfT) assesses train operator’s performance through a combination of quantified targets and for more subjective aspects, through a balanced scorecard regime. These measures are specified in the agreements it has with both private and public sector train operators to deliver rail services. The performance targets are set through the agreement of train operators’ business plans.

Our team is responsible for the scorecard assessment process, and setting performance in conjunction with the Department’s commercial and policy teams. It is vital that these processes fairly reflect the level of challenge facing each individual operator, are transparent and consistent between operators, and ensure that there is a clear audit trail of the value that taxpayers are receiving.

As Head of Operator Performance Assessment, you will lead our OPA team which consisting of 3 - 6 staff. The team provide the framework, process and support for the Department’s contract management teams to complete the scorecard assessment evaluation and in agreeing quantified targets measures.

In this role, you will work closely with market teams, policy teams, rail operators and their owning groups to continue to improve the effectiveness of processes.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting a review of and implementing changes to the current Operational Performance Assessment regime, considering the new government’s intention to bring train operations within the public sector.
• Reviewing the incentives provided to private train operators to support an effective transition into the public sector.
• Working with DfT policy teams, market teams and external advisers to ensure target setting information is promptly available for the DfT market teams and operators for the annual business planning and target setting process.
• Managing the programme of operator scorecard assessments, ensuring appropriate and practical guidance is given to operators and market teams.
• Providing expert advice on the performance assessment process as part of contract management, supporting teams within the Department in queries over consistent application, and specification and award of new rail contracts.
• Managing and overseeing adviser contracts and budgets to support target setting and evaluation activities.
• Developing an outward-facing, confident and appropriately skilled and resourced OPA team that best meets the need of the Department in managing train operator performance.
• Line management responsibilities for two Grade 7 colleagues and leading the OPA team.

Person specification

You will have previous project delivery experience, particularly in a contractual or commercial environment.

You will be a motivational leader to support your team to deliver quality outcomes in a high-profile environment.

You will display excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the credibility to influence and challenge effectively to gain consensus to support decision making. You will confidently engage at senior level to build trusted relationships with Train Operators, technical advisers, and senior government officials.

You will have the capability to deliver at pace in a challenging area where complex contractual, legal, commercial and stakeholder issues come together.

Once in role, you will be required to complete the Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) and achieve the accreditation at Foundation level.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £67,313, Department for Transport contributes £19,500 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.

To read more about the role and for information on how to apply, please visit our advert on Civil Service Jobs.