Head of Freight

Application Deadline: 20 June 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 valuesAbout the Team
Our investment team have considerable experience in raising finance to support the acquisition of new rolling stock. They are supported by a team of engineering and project management professionals that have a track record of delivering projects on time and to 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 any associated rail infrastructure opportunities, ensuring that Porterbrook maximises this market through developing new products to meet industry needs, create compelling propositions and seek long term relationships.

Key responsibilities

Strategy Development

Develop the freight strategy for the business, taking into account the current competitive environment, identification of the key clients and business opportunities
Work with other parts of the Porterbrook business to identify business opportunities and to ensure that suitable products are developed to meet the needs of the freight market
Work with FOCs and NR to understand market demand to anticipate future requirements
Identify suitable partners to develop initiatives to bring to the freight market
Seek innovative solutions to the freight market, leveraging the specialist expertise that exists within the business
Build a solid pipeline of freight opportunities for Porterbrook to pursue
Re-leasing of existing assets

Customer Relations

Maintain thorough knowledge of freight customers’ businesses and anticipate future plans
Ensure close relationship with key personnel within each respective customer, freight end users, potential suppliers, DfT and other stakeholders in the freight market.
Maintain thorough knowledge of the freight market and evaluate impact on Porterbrook business or potential business with customers, suppliers or other stakeholders.
Maintain thorough knowledge of political, strategic, personnel or regulatory changes occurring in existing or potential freight markets.
Create a stakeholder map supplemented by and engagement plan for each opportunity

Internal Communications

Provide information and reports to Porterbrook management and/or directorate on activity in the freight business area includes

o Income forecasting against each opportunity

o Rolling stock planning

o Business activity

o Incoming enquiries

o Risks and new build opportunities

Adhere to the Investment Team Procedures, to ensure all department activities are conducted in a controlled manner
Work closely with the Portfolio team
Line management of Relationship Manager

Planning and Finance

To develop the financial aspects of the freight strategy, including any investment budgets required to enter the market
Manage the overall budget during the financial year

Commercial

Work to support the Chief Investment Officer to define, direct and lead a commercial strategy relating to the freight market that balances risk to the business, with the opportunity for profit and income generation to reinvest in new assets and existing rolling stock assets. This will require a sound financial understanding of the implications of commercial and business opportunities and strategy
Working closely with the Chief Investment Officer and the bid development team to manage bid submissions for new business opportunities in the freight market
To market Porterbrook’s capabilities in the delivery and management of its commercial activities and maintain the business’ profile with customers, suppliers, outside agencies and other stakeholders in the freight market

Skills / Experience

General requirements

There is a need for a sound understanding of the railway sector, and the incumbent should be experienced in dealing with budgetary control, customer and supplier liaison and feel comfortable with managing and delegating to a small team. A sound understanding of the concept of leasing is essential.

What you’ll need to have

Degree, HND or equivalent in relevant discipline
A proven record in freight sales and knowledge of the freight sector from a rolling stock perspective
Good experience with creating and implementing freight strategies.
Leasing knowledge
Extensive knowledge of railway industry rolling stock and components, organisation and stakeholders
Knowledge of freight commercial and supply contracts
Knowledge of proven negotiation techniques
General knowledge of current legislation and law
Economic and commercial knowledge, including finance, funding and currency
General understanding of tax, pricing issues and legal precedent as well as overall financial acumen
Knowledge of key stakeholders within the freight industry

It would be great if you also had

Report writing and presentation skills
Financial awareness
Sound commercial acumen
Staff management and development
Negotiation skills
Ability to communicate at all levels, internally and externally
Time management ability
Computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office and database knowledge)

A great place to work

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:

Investors in People Gold accreditation
Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Silver accreditation
National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
Financial wellbeing support
Flexible working
Enhanced family friendly policies
Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
Enhanced Armed Forces policies
Ongoing support with professional and personal development
Long service awards
Porterbrook Star awards
Life assurance
Healthcare cash plan
25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
Additional days annual leave for long service
Season ticket loan

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.

This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

Porterbrook is a Disability Confident and a Living Wage accredited employer.

If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please let us know. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone can develop to their full potential.

What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.

Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!

We support

About the role

Skills / Experience

A great place to work

About Porterbrook