Head of Commercial programmes

Posted 10 June 2026
Salary Competitive
LocationLondon
Job type Permanent \- Full Time
Reference039712
Job FunctionHeadquarters

Lead Transformation. Drive Growth. Shape the Future of Rail.

We are looking for an exceptional commercial leader with a passion for delivering large\-scale transformation to join us at Avanti for the high impact role of Head of Commercial Programmes.

Leading from the front, you’ll oversee a portfolio of strategic programmes that will drive innovation, growth and industry leading outcomes shaping the future of Avanti and Rail. You will be responsible for the design, delivery, and governance of major commercial programmes, ensuring they align with our commercial vision, Department for Transport (DfT) objectives, and the Fares, Ticketing \& Retail (FTR) roadmap, as well as broader West Coast Partnership ambitions to grow revenue and passenger numbers.

As Head of Commercial Programmes, you will sit at the heart of our commercial strategy directly influencing how we deliver value to customers, government, and the wider industry ensuring successful execution of cross\-functional initiatives that transform both performance and customer experience creating lasting commercial impact at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the end\-to\-end delivery of high\-impact programmes that drive commercial growth and long\-term success


• Translate strategic goals into clear plans with measurable, sustainable outcomes


• Facilitate cross\-functional collaboration to resolve blockers, manage dependencies and support effective decision\-making.

• Establish and maintain clear governance arrangements across Commercial projects, including steering groups, working groups, reporting cycles and decision\-making forums.


• Ensure projects follow the agreed project lifecycle, governance framework and required approval routes.


• Support the development and implementation of project controls, including project plans, RAID logs, RACI matrices, project execution plans and change control processes.


• Ensure consistent application of BRAG / RAG reporting and escalation criteria across the portfolio.


• Support the development, tracking and reporting of project budgets, forecasts and financial performance.


• Provide senior oversight of project progress, risks, issues, dependencies, milestones and delivery confidence.

• Oversee a portfolio of complex workstreams to enable and drive commercial revenue growth


• Manage PM resource allocation and capacity to ensure projects are appropriately supported and delivery priorities are effectively metImplement robust programme frameworks, KPIs, and assurance processes


• Build alignment across senior stakeholders internally and externally, including DfT, FTR, and RDG

• Drive initiatives that maximise revenue growth, yield optimisation, and performance


• Partner with Revenue, Marketing, and Customer Experience teams to align commercial strategy


• Support the development and tracking of benefits realisation to ensure expected outcomes are clearly defined, monitored and delivered.

• Lead and develop a high\-performing team of project and PMO professionals


• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• A strong track record of leading large\-scale, cross\-functional programmes at a senior Expertise in commercial strategy, transformation, or business change within transport, infrastructure, or similar regulated sectors


• Strong knowledge of programme methodologies


• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and government level


• Strong problem\-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, unblock issues and drive delivery progress.


• Experience using project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Workfront or equivalent.


• Understanding of PACE, PRINCE2, APM, MSP or equivalent project delivery methodologies.

• 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 Operator

At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive.

We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close\-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better.

We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.

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