Head of Freight

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Freight to lead their freight strategy and drive growth in the railway sector. This role involves developing innovative products, building relationships with key stakeholders, and managing the budget for freight operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in freight sales and a deep understanding of the railway industry. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and supports professional development in a collaborative environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a vital sector.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Bonus

Pension

Wellbeing Support

Flexible Working

Generous Leave

Season Ticket Loan

Development Support

Healthcare

Family Policies

Qualifications

• Understanding of the railway sector and leasing concepts.
• Experience in budget management and customer liaison.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement freight strategy considering market demand.
• Collaborate with departments to create suitable products for freight.

Skills

Budget Management

Freight Sales Experience

Freight Strategy Implementation

Leasing Knowledge

Railway Industry Knowledge

Negotiation Techniques

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Relevant Discipline

Job description

Head of Freight

Application Deadline: 20 May 2025

Department: Investment

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Description

About us

Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company, and a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future.

We’ve been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades and own a quarter of the national passenger rail fleet, with 4,000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight rolling stock.

Porterbrook mobilises private finance to drive growth and deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable railway. Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we innovate to deliver greener and smarter rail solutions.

Our values

Our investment team has considerable experience in raising finance to support the acquisition of new rolling stock. They are supported by engineering and project management professionals with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Head of Freight to join the Porterbrook team.

Role purpose
To develop and implement the freight strategy, including rail infrastructure opportunities, ensuring Porterbrook maximises this market through developing new products, creating compelling propositions, and seeking long-term relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the freight strategy considering the competitive environment, key clients, and business opportunities.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify and develop suitable products for the freight market.
• Engage with FOCs and NR to understand market demand and anticipate future requirements.
• Identify partners for initiatives in the freight market.
• Seek innovative solutions leveraging internal expertise.
• Build a pipeline of freight opportunities.
• Re-leasing of existing assets.

Customer Relations

• Maintain knowledge of freight customers’ businesses and future plans.
• Build relationships with key personnel, freight end users, potential suppliers, DfT, and stakeholders.
• Monitor market and regulatory changes affecting freight markets.
• Create stakeholder maps and engagement plans.

Internal Communications

• Report on freight activities, including income forecasts, rolling stock planning, business activity, inquiries, risks, and opportunities.
• Adhere to investment procedures and work closely with the Portfolio team.
• Manage the Relationship Manager.

Planning and Finance

• Develop financial aspects of the freight strategy, including budgets.
• Manage the budget during the financial year.

Commercial

• Support the Chief Investment Officer in defining and leading commercial strategies balancing risk and profit.
• Manage bid submissions and market capabilities.

Skills / Experience

General requirements

Understanding of the railway sector, experience in budget management, customer and supplier liaison, and leasing concepts.

What you’ll need to have

• Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.
• Proven freight sales experience and sector knowledge.
• Experience in creating and implementing freight strategies.
• Leasing knowledge.
• Extensive railway industry knowledge.
• Knowledge of freight contracts and negotiation techniques.
• Understanding of legislation, law, finance, and funding.

It would be great if you also had

• Report writing, presentation skills, financial awareness, commercial acumen.
• Staff management, negotiation skills, communication skills, time management, computer literacy.

A great place to work

Porterbrook values diversity, support, and flexibility. Recognitions include Investors in People Gold, Wellbeing Silver, and National Rail Awards. We promote an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during the application process.

Benefits

Competitive salary, bonus, pension, wellbeing support, flexible working, family policies, development support, awards, healthcare, generous leave, season ticket loan, and more.

To apply

Send your CV and cover letter via the provided link, including salary and notice period details. Early applications are encouraged as the vacancy may close early.

What happens next?

Our recruitment team will review applications and contact suitable candidates. Our interview process involves two stages for thorough evaluation and mutual fit assessment. We look forward to your application!