Head of Facilities and Station Development

West Coast Partnership Development; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in rail services is seeking a visionary Head of Facilities and Station Development to shape the strategic direction for facilities management across a diverse rail network. This high-impact role involves overseeing major projects, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement, all while building stakeholder relationships. Ideal candidates will have senior-level experience, strong leadership skills, and relevant professional qualifications. Join and help redefine train travel across the West Coast Main Line with a focus on sustainability and customer experience.

Benefits

Final salary pension

Free travel on Avanti West Coast for family

Privilege Travel card (75% off fares)

30 days holiday (increasing to 37 days)

10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in facilities and project delivery at a strategic level.
• Strong understanding of rail commercial processes and health and safety regulations.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for facilities management and station development.
• Oversee major capital projects ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes for enhanced customer experience.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Project Delivery

Strategic Thinking

Education

Engineering or Property qualification

Membership of professional body (CIBSE, IWFM, RICS)

Job description

Shape the Future of Rail: Head of Facilities and Station Development

Are you ready to lead transformative projects that directly impact the experience of millions of rail passengers? We’re looking for a visionary Head of Facilities and Station Development to join our leadership team at Avanti West Coast.

In this high-impact role, you’ll set the strategic direction for our facilities management and station development across a diverse and dynamic rail network. From major capital projects to everyday operational excellence, you’ll ensure our stations, depots, offices, and customer environments are safe, efficient, and future-ready.

What You’ll Be Leading

• Strategic Direction: Shape and deliver our long-term vision for station development and facilities across the network.
• Major Projects: Oversee the successful delivery of high-investment programmes—on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
• Facilities Excellence: Lead the FM strategy for all AWC properties, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and legal standards.
• Innovation & Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in processes to enhance customer and colleague experience.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal teams, government bodies, Network Rail, and other operators to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Sustainability Focus: Align all workstreams with our environmental management system and sustainability goals.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• Senior-Level Experience: Proven leadership in facilities and project delivery at a strategic level.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of rail commercial processes, health and safety regulations, and ISO55001 asset management.
• Project Delivery: A track record of delivering large-scale, complex programmes.
• Influence & Collaboration: Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to lead multi-party initiatives.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop innovative, data-driven solutions and lead change across complex organisations.
• Professional Credentials: A recognised qualification in Engineering or Property and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIBSE, IWFM, RICS).
  
  

Please see role profile for further information

As Well As a Competitive Salary, The Benefits Include

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator
  
  

At Avanti West Coast, we’re redefining what train travel feels like on the West Coast Main Line—making it greener, cleaner, and more comfortable for everyone. As a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, we proudly serve over 50 stations across England, Scotland, and Wales, connecting millions of people to new opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

Our talented team is at the heart of this transformation, and we’re proud of the impact we’re making every day. Now, we’re inviting you to be part of that journey.

Join us and help shape the future of rail—building stations that’s sustainable, customer-focused, and built to last.

Ready to lead with purpose and make a real difference? Apply now and be part of something extraordinary.