Senior IT Business Partner

Arriva Plc; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport provider is seeking a Senior IT Business Partner to link IT initiatives with business objectives. The role involves nurturing relationships with stakeholders, implementing technology solutions, and driving innovation to enhance passenger experiences. Ideal candidates will have experience in the public transport sector and a relevant degree. This position is based in London or Sunderland.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an IT Business Partner or Business Analyst in public transportation.
• Strong knowledge of public transportation industry and regulatory challenges.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with business unit leaders.
• Collaborate to implement technology solutions for operational excellence.
• Champion new technologies and digital transformation initiatives.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager – who acquired Arriva in 2024. We are looking for 2 x Senior IT Business Partner's to join our group technology team. The role will either be based at our Sunderland or London office. The IT Business Partner is the vital link between the Information Technology function and a designated business unit within Arriva. This person is responsible for establishing and nurturing both strategic and operational relationships with business stakeholders, ensuring that technology is leveraged for greater efficiency, enhanced passenger experience, and optimised operational performance. Ultimately, the IT Business Partner drives value across the business by aligning IT initiatives with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong, proactive relationships with business unit leaders and staff to understand objectives, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify, prioritise, and implement technology solutions supporting operational excellence and strategic business goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor, translating business needs into technology requirements and ensuring IT strategies are aligned with those needs.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency and foster innovation within the business unit.
• Monitor technology trends and emerging solutions, advising the business on opportunities to enhance passenger experience and optimise processes.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between IT teams and business staff, ensuring transparency and shared understanding through the project lifecycle.
• Develop business cases, project proposals, and ROI analyses to support technology investments that deliver measurable value.
• Oversee the delivery of IT services and projects, ensuring they meet agreed objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
• Continuously assess and report on the impact of technology initiatives, recommending improvements as needed to support business performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience as an IT Business Partner, Business Analyst, or in a related role, with a demonstrable track record in the public transportation sector.
• Strong knowledge of public transportation industry‑specific challenges, regulatory environments, and passenger expectations.
• Excellent understanding of business operations, process improvement, and digital transformation.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and vice versa.
• Strategic thinker with a history of delivering value through technology initiatives.
• Project management experience is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Key Attributes

• Collaborative and consultative approach
• Results‑oriented with a passion for innovation
• Customer‑focused mindset, especially regarding passenger experience enhancement
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace change

About Arriva

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably.