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Head of Fleet Commercial

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Head of Fleet Commercial

Location: Birmingham / Hybrid


Closing Date: Friday 03rd July 2026

CrossCountry is looking for an exceptional commercial and fleet leader to drive some of the most significant rolling stock and engineering programmes in the UK rail industry.

As Head of Fleet Commercial, you will play a pivotal role in defining and delivering our long-term fleet strategy, leading major investment programmes, commercial partnerships, and fleet transformation initiatives that will directly influence the future of passenger rail travel.

This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership, engineering insight, and commercial expertise to deliver real change across a nationally important transport network.

Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead the delivery of major fleet initiatives, including rolling stock replacement, refurbishment programmes, fleet enhancement projects, depot upgrades, and innovative traction solutions.

Working with industry partners, manufacturers, ROSCOs, government bodies, and transport authorities, you will ensure our fleet remains safe, reliable, sustainable, and commercially effective for years to come.

You will be at the forefront of emerging technologies, helping shape the adoption of low-emission traction systems, digital fleet solutions, and asset management innovations that support our commitment to a greener railway.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Strategic Fleet Leadership

  • Lead major fleet programmes, including new train introductions, fleet life-extension projects, cascade programmes, and depot interface enhancements.

  • Develop and implement long-term fleet strategies that deliver operational performance, customer benefits, and commercial value.

  • Represent CrossCountry in key industry forums, mobilisation boards, and strategic review groups.

Commercial Excellence

  • Lead commercial relationships with ROSCOs, OEMs, suppliers, and specialist consultancies.

  • Negotiate rolling stock leases, maintenance agreements, asset support contracts, and commercial partnerships.

  • Drive value-for-money, cost efficiency, and return on investment across the fleet lifecycle.

Programme & Financial Management

  • Oversee governance, planning, risk management, and delivery performance across complex portfolios.

  • Manage capital investment programmes, business cases, financial modelling, and budget performance.

  • Ensure robust change control and funding governance in partnership with Finance and Procurement teams.

Engineering & Innovation

  • Support the introduction of new technologies, onboard systems, and depot infrastructure improvements.

  • Champion innovation in remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and digital fleet management.

  • Lead initiatives supporting battery, hydrogen, hybrid, and other low-carbon traction technologies.

  • Ensure fleet programmes align with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and Net Zero objectives.

Cyber Security & Digital Assurance

  • Provide strategic oversight of cyber security across fleet and onboard systems, including TMS, PIS, CCTV, DAS, and passenger-facing technologies.

  • Ensure compliance with railway, safety, and information security standards, including NIS Regulations, CAF, RSSB standards, and internal policies.

  • Lead governance around vulnerability management, penetration testing, secure design, and third-party cyber risk management.

Leadership

  • Lead and inspire a team of project managers, commercial specialists, and technical professionals.

  • Develop future capability through coaching, succession planning, and knowledge sharing.

  • Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the rail industry and wider transport sector.

About You

We're looking for a commercially astute leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale fleet, engineering, or infrastructure programmes.

You'll bring:

Essential Experience

  • Significant experience leading complex fleet or engineering programmes within rail, aviation, transport infrastructure, or a comparable regulated environment.

  • Strong commercial and contractual expertise, including supplier negotiations, asset financing, and supply chain management.

  • Knowledge of UK rail industry standards, safety frameworks, and regulatory bodies such as ORR and RSSB.

  • Outstanding leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills.


Desirable Experience

  • Experience of new fleet introduction, franchise mobilisation, or technical due diligence.

  • Understanding of ROSCO relationships, depot interface planning, and rolling stock compliance requirements.

  • Experience delivering transformation programmes involving technology, sustainability, or asset optimisation.


Why Join CrossCountry?


At CrossCountry, you'll have the opportunity to influence the future direction of one of Britain's most recognisable train operators.

We offer:

  • The chance to lead nationally significant fleet programmes.

  • A collaborative and supportive leadership environment.

  • Opportunities to shape sustainability and innovation across the railway.

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Diversity & Inclusion

At CrossCountry, we believe our people should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn't simply part of our strategy – it's central to our success.

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to help shape the future of rail?

Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with CrossCountry.

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