The role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a General Manager to join VolkerRail Specialist Businesses lead the Metro and Rail Projects (MRP) business unit.

Metro and Rail Projects (MRP) have extensive experience of working on high profile projects for most of the UK's light rail and tram operators and on the UK heavy rail network. We are recognised as a market leader for the provision of renewal and minor enhancements services to the light rail sector and as a supplier of choice to the wider rail market.

Our specialist teams continue to offer high quality track construction, maintenance and renewals to a wide range of clients including: Nottingham Express Transit, Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram, and London Tramlink as well as a number of Major Contractors on the heavy rail network.

Key Accountabilities

You will have the following accountabilities:

HSQES

• Accountable for operational safety performance and the Health, Safety and Welfare of all projects and work delivered by the MRP business.

• Responsible for the Health, Safety and Welfare of all Employees within your control.

• Ensure that all safety reviews on projects and all safety improvement initiatives across MRP are effectively managed and delivered in line with the required timescales.

• Undertake or participate in enquiries and investigations as required by Senior Management in accordance with VolkerRail Standards and Instructions.

• Accountable for ensuring that all activities undertaken within the MRP business are in line with the VolkerRail Integrated Management System (IMS) and applicable Safety Standards.

WORK WINNING

• Accountable for developing and maintaining a sustainable, growing MRP business across the UK Light Rail, Metro and Heavy Rail Networks in line with the wider VRSB business expectation.

• Leverage your Client Network to broaden and diversify the MRP Client base to generate greater resilience and geographical presence across the UK

• Support any broader multi-disciplinary Business Development opportunities as required, utilising the MRP business to maximise the opportunity for the wider VolkerRail businesses.

• Accountable for MRP operational performance with existing clients enhancing our reputation for safe, high quality projects delivered on time to enable access to repeat business

• Participate in tender preparation and reviews to ensure VolkerRail present the client with competitive and compliant tenders and that there are no gaps within the MRP technical or pricing element of the submission.

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

• Accountable for MRP business performance in line with business plans, annual budgets and financial forecasts

• Report on all aspects of the MRP business performance to the VRSB Director at the Monthly Operating Review (MOR) meeting and to the VolkerRail Board at the Business Unit Review (BUR) meeting

• Work closely with the MRP Commercial Manager to maximise opportunity and ensure full recovery of our commercial entitlement on Projects. This to include: income generation, revenue and margin opportunities on all contracts

• Working closely with the MRP Commercial Manager, maximise the generation of cash, control debtor days within agreed parameters, and ensure prompt payment to our supply chain in line with our contractual obligations

• Accountable for all MRP Project outcomes ensuring that financial targets are met and that all contracted works are completed to the clients' satisfaction in a safe and cost-effective manner.

• Attend & lead monthly project reviews as required, ensuring that all MRP staff are discharging their roles effectively and are up to date with all relevant project information.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Overall accountability for the management of MRP staff including recruitment, promotion, discipline, motivation, appraisals, and rostering.

• Appraise, manage and develop training and development needs for all areas of the MRP business including annual performance reviews.

• Establish and maintain communication channels and a robust briefing structure within MRP on all business issues

Role requirements

You will ideally have the following experience and qualities:

• Minimum 15 years relevant industry experience with demonstrable achievements in a leadership role
• Degree qualified or membership of a related professional institution
• Committed to enhancing the business reputation for safe, effective and reliable delivery
• A high personal commitment to health and safety performance in an operational environment
• Good commercial acumen with proven experience of holding P&L accountability for a business unit or division
• Extensive client network with an ability to grow and develop business relationships with customers and clients
• Collaborative approach to building and maintaining high performing teams through effective people management and communication skills
• Proactive and flexible approach to change with an ability to deliver change initiatives in a team or organisation