Head of Business Partnering

DfT Operator

About DFT Operator

DfT Operator (DFTO) is the public sector rail owning group responsible for all train operating companies (TOCs) transitioning into public ownership. Established by the Department for Transport in 2018, it aims to deliver safe, secure, and sustainable transport for all, focusing on improving journeys and providing excellent customer service while supporting a passenger-focused railway industry.

Our current network includes four train operators: London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express (TPE), operating over 4,500 services daily and serving 300 million customer journeys annually. We plan to transfer all passenger services under DfT contracts within the next three years.

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO umbrella, striving for industry-leading safety, customer service, and operational performance through collaboration.

About the role

The Head of Business Partnering will oversee management accounting activities, including corporate and subsidiary reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and policy contribution. The role involves liaising with operating companies, shareholders, and overseeing business planning, forecasting, and reporting processes.

This position will lead standardization of accounting practices across the group, coordinate with TOCs and external advisors, and manage the budgeting and forecasting processes, reviewing submissions from individual operating companies.

Who will we be looking for?

Core competencies include:

• Experience dealing with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines, self-driven, and proactive in improving processes.
• Experience managing ambiguity in financial environments with strong decision-making skills.
• Relevant experience in complex financial settings, including financial control and planning.
• Knowledge of the operational rail environment is advantageous.
• Ability to influence and challenge colleagues at all levels across organizations.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and motivational skills.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee accounts, analysis, and business planning to support effective decision-making.
• Review and communicate trends from periodic reports.
• Utilize financial systems and technology to enhance reporting standards and timelines.
• Engage with senior budget holders to understand and manage financial performance within budgets.
• Maintain excellent stakeholder engagement across all levels, including external partners.
• Support financial decision-making processes.
• Contribute to process improvements within the organization.
• Collaborate as part of the wider finance team.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Full membership of a relevant postgraduate professional body (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW).
• At least 5 years of post-qualification experience.
• Extensive experience across multiple finance disciplines.
• Experience in a multi-entity reporting environment.

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent

Location: Hybrid working arrangement.

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

Benefits include:

• Flexible/hybrid working options.
• 25 days annual leave.
• Opportunities for industry learning.
• 10% pension contribution.
• And more

We are an inclusive employer welcoming applications from all backgrounds. We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.

Disclaimer: Candidates on secondment should inform their line manager prior to applying to ensure transparency and workload management.