Franchise & Access Support Manager

The Franchise & support Manager role is a varied role managing the contractual relationship with NW&C lead operators and supporting other teams in their management of other operators who operate on our region. The role owns and manages the Track Access Contract with the operators and will manage all changes required to the contract and claims brought by the parties under the terms of the contract. Through this the role manages Network Rail;s financial risks and looks to optimise the financial outcome from the compensations mechanisms and claims within the Track Access Contract. The role also undertakes a range of contract compliance and assurance activities, for example by assuring the rights held in the contract against the rights required for the timetable, or preparing and certifying periodic payments made to the operators under compensation mechanisms within the contract. The role is a key contact for operators on a range of contractual matters and therefore develops and maintain effective working relationships with the TOC to ensure matters can be progressed and issues resolved. The role also acts as an advisor to the rest of the Region on Regulated Contract matters, and works with internal stakeholders to form Network Rail's position on a range of contractual matters., 1. Manage the contractual relationship with the TOC's on all issues including performance, access conditions, access agreements, invoicing and claims. 2. Communicate and challenge within and outside Network Rail's organisation so the TOC's contractual rights are met. 3. Manage the delivery of Improvement Plans specific to the TOC's. 4. Lead all negotiations on changes to the TOC's Track Access Contract. 5. Manage the contractual elements of the TOC's performance regimes to minimise payments and identify opportunities for improving processes. 6. Hold responsibility for both Network Rail's compliance and the TOC's compliance with the terms of the contractual agreements.

Whilst this is a contractual role it is also a relationship management role and the ability to develop good working relationships is key to being able to deliver the outcomes expected as well as having good attention to detail., · Qualified to degree level or equivalent · Previous experience in a commercial environment · Commercially astute, persuasive and customer focussed · Proven ability to negotiate in a complex commercial environment · Knowledge of relevant contracts and contractual environment including Track Access Contracts and the Network Code. · Previous experience of managing contractual relationships · Literate, analytical and numerate We would also like but it isn't crucial to have/to be: · Effective team leader with proven presentational and inter personal skills · Comprehensive knowledge and experience in the railway business · Comprehensive understanding of the railway industry structure and contractual relationships

Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. Click here to watch our inspiring video to learn more about us! We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Network Rail has been recognised as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equity for the fourth consecutive year! You can find out more about this here: The Times Top 50 Listmakers 2024 - Business in the Community (bitc.org.uk) Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here. Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you! 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. We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You will be part of the North West & Central Region (NW&C) which consist of three routes – North West, Central and West Coast South – and a regional team supporting Regional Major Programmes & Professional services.

• Access to a range of contributory pension schemes, and the potential to top up your competitive salary with a bonus
• A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train
• Privileged staff travel – Leisure travel discount of 75%
• We can offer you a season ticket loan, annual season tickets are discounted.
• A 35-hour-per-week contract with flexible working options available to help support your work-life balance
• Hybrid working (2/3 days a week in the office/on site) and enhanced family-friendly support
• Take advantage of healthcare offers (including discounted healthcare club membership), discounted cycle hire, and online shopping sites
• 5 days of paid volunteering leave
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community