About DFT Operator

DfT Operator (DFTO) is the public sector rail Owning Group with responsibility for all train operating companies (TOC's) as they transfer into public ownership. It is a publicly owned company established by the Department for Transport in 2018.

Our ambition is to deliver safe, secure and sustainable transport to everyone, everywhere. At the heart of this promise is improving journeys and providing customers with an excellent service, while supporting the industry to build a more passenger-focused railway.

We currently have four train operators: London North Eastern Railway (LNER) - Northern - Southeastern - TransPennine Express (TPE), delivering four and a half thousand services a day, and 300 million customer journeys across our network every year. Over the next 3 years, we will complete the transfer of all passenger services operated under contracts with the Department for Transport (DfT).

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to become industry-leading in safety, customer service, financial and operational performance.

About the role

The Head of Business Partnering role involves all aspects of management accounting including periodic corporate and subsidiary reporting, annual budgetary and forecast processing, as well as the contribution to internal policies and procedures. This role involves liaison with operating companies, shareholders and overseeing the Annual Business planning and quarterly forecasting and periodic reporting.

As the Head of Business Partnering, as well as linking in with the statutory reporting activities, you will be at the forefront on the standardisation of accounting across the group, while liaising with the Group’s Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and any external advisors. You will also lead on the budgeting and forecasting process for the group, reviewing the individual operating company submissions.

Who will we be looking for?

The core competencies for the role will include:

• Experienced in dealing with senior stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to work to tightly defined deadlines, whilst also being self-driven and desire to improve on existing activities.
• Significant experience in managing ambiguity in a financial environment with strong evaluation and decision-making skills.
• Successful relevant experience working in a complex financial environment including demonstrable experience in managing, financial control and forward planning.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of the operational rail environment would be an advantage.
• Work with colleagues at all levels across multiple organisations, influencing and challenging senior budget holders.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, coach, mentor and motivate at all levels within the organisation.
• Demonstrable excellent negotiating and influencing skills

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical and professional oversight of the periodic accounts, relevant analysis and preparation of business plans and budgets to enable the businesses to make effective decisions.
• Review periodic reporting regularly to identify trends and communicate position to wider teams.
• An understanding of financial systems and using technology to improve reporting timelines and standards.
• Influence, coach and challenge senior budget holders across a range of operating companies to the Managing Director in understanding the impact of their period results and forecasts against budgets in order to manage their business more effectively and manage within budgeting limits.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills all levels. This should include wider DFTO customers, 3rd party representatives, other business & functional leaders and key support personnel.
• Support financial decision making for the company and group.
• Contribute to wider process mapping within the organisation.
• Work as part of the wider Finance team.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Full membership of relevant post graduate professional body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW)
• 5 years plus PQE
• Substantial experience within multiple finance disciplines
• Experience of a similar multi entity reporting environment

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent

Location: The roles will all be hybrid based.

Salary: £ 80,000 - £85,000 depending on experience.

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Annual Leave 25 days

Opportunities to learn across the wider industry

10 % pension contribution

Plus more….

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.