Head of Policy and Government Affairs

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Purpose of the Role:

To lead Freightliner’s policy and government affairs strategy, ensuring the company’s interests are effectively represented in regulatory, political, and industry forums. The role drives engagement with key stakeholders, influences policy development, and advocates for a regulatory and commercial environment that supports rail freight growth and strengthens Freightliner’s competitive position.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the development of Freightliner’s policy and regulatory strategy, translating it into clear objectives, deliverables, and project plans.
• Implement agreed strategic objectives and manage associated projects through to completion.
• Represent Freightliner in engagement with key external stakeholders, including government departments, regulators, Network Rail, and industry bodies, ensuring the company’s interests are clearly articulated and understood.
• Act as Freightliner’s representative in Periodic Review processes, advocating for outcomes that strengthen the company’s financial and commercial position.
• During the transition to Great British Railways, champion the creation of a regulatory and commercial framework that supports positive outcomes for Freightliner and enables the efficient movement of rail freight.
• Promote, at senior levels, the value of rail freight and the policies needed to support growth across the sector.
• Host and lead stakeholder visits to Freightliner sites, providing clear briefings and showcasing operations in support of our policy, commercial, and relationship-building objectives.
• Prepare high-quality responses to government and industry consultations on behalf of Freightliner.
• Provide expert guidance to colleagues on regulatory, policy, and government matters to support operational and commercial decision-making.
• Act as a key link between the performance and claims teams and operational teams, helping drive improved performance and enhanced Schedule 8 outcomes.

KPI’s/Performance Measures:

• Delivery of agreed policy and regulatory projects within scope, time, and budget.
• Quality and timeliness of responses to government and industry consultations.
• Strength and effectiveness of stakeholder relationships, evidenced by positive feedback and engagement outcomes.
• Successful representation of Freightliner’s interests in regulatory reviews and GBR transition processes.
• Contribution to improved operational performance and Schedule 8 outcomes through policy and regulatory support.
• Visibility and influence of Freightliner’s position in industry forums and government engagement activities.

Personal Specification:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong advocacy skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels and effectively promote Freightliner’s position and the wider interests of the freight sector.
• Confident, engaging communicator with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships across the business and with external partners, including representing Freightliner at industry conferences.
• Policy experience within a regulated sector; understanding of the rail freight market and industry regulatory structures is beneficial but not essential.
• Demonstrable experience in policy evaluation, development, advocacy, and implementation.
• Proven ability to form strong working relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Exhibits Freightliner’s values and behaviours.
• Attacks goals and objectives with drive, energy and enthusiasm.
• Proactive approach to work and uses own initiative to implement improvements.
• Embraces new challenges, is hands-on and gets things done
• Sets high standards of work and consistently meets or exceeds these.
• High level of integrity and openness, combined with commitment to good governance.
• Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation.
• Leads by example and provides honest and clear leadership that helps drive results.
• Listens attentively to others’ perspectives and provides constructive feedback.
• Builds healthy working relationships within the business and with Programme stakeholders while exhibiting independence and objectivity in thought and action.
• Sets high standards for their work but understands the limitations of their knowledge or experience, seeking peer support and guidance when needed.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.