As a Petition Management & Economic Costs Manager at HS2 you will take ownership of (and lead) the development of the HS2 operating cost model, the application of our operating cost modelling outputs as a central element of the appraisal of HS2 and influence the appraisal and modelling projects to inform HS2 decision making. You’ll be responsible for leading on specific elements of the HS2 appraisal which feed into the economic case and will also be expected to provide expert advice more generally on the economic case for HS2, demand modelling and the economic appraisal. The work involved can be quite varied depending on the issues of the day and you will be expected to lead your own projects, often providing analytical advice to tight timescales.
In this role you will:
- Manage and proactively develop HS2’s operating cost model which is a core part of the appraisal.
- Provide analysis and advice on the impact of scheme development proposals on operating costs.
- Provide analysis and advice on the appraisal of HS2 in response to points raised by external stakeholders.
- Undertake discrete appraisal and/ or modelling projects as and when required to inform decisions on various elements of HS2 and enhance the robustness and coverage of the team’s analytical capabilities.
- Support the wider Strategy & Analysis team in the development of analysis, documentation and supporting technical documents needed for economic cases – which meet HS2 and Department of Transport requirements.
- Provide analysis to support value for money advice, based on sound appraisal techniques, to decision-makers on changes to the scope of the HS2 project.
- To undertake quality assurance of appraisal tools, as well as other team members’ analysis when required.
- Carry out such other tasks within the job holder’s capability as requested by the Economic Case Team Lead.
- Build close working relationships and effective engagement with colleagues in the Department for Transport and HM Treasury to ensure shared understanding of precise requirements and compliance with WebTAG and Green Book guidance.
To excel in this role you will possess the following:
- Degree in economics or with high economics content, ideally at Masters level, or proven professional capability at an equivalent level.
- Established analytical and quantitative skills, with demonstrable ability in developing spreadsheet models.
- Understanding and using evidence to inform decision-making.
- A background of applying economic principles to provide practical solutions to policy problems.
- Excellent analytical skills are required to design and deliver a complex programme of analysis, and an ability to understand and distil complex arguments into key principles is essential.
- The post requires excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability of presenting analysis clearly and succinctly, including the ability to influence at all levels and defend results confidently under scrutiny.
- The ability to communicate complex economics concepts to colleagues from across a wide variety of professions will be key as will the ability to translate policy requirements into analytical specifications.
- Demonstrable successful project management is essential. The post will be responsible for delivering a complex programme of analysis within challenging timescales and will require excellent project management skills, with a focus on risk management, quality assurance, and delivering value for money.
- Skilled in communicating complex analysis to a range of expert and non-expert audiences.
- Proven track record of leading analytical work streams and small projects, from inception to delivery.
- It is expected that you will actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
About Us:
High Speed 2 (HS2) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs.
HS2 Ltd is a safety critical organisation with safety being one of our core values. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to the HS2 S.A.F.E programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.
Closing date: 11th December 2015.
