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Role: Head of Control.

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive search firm to the UK, North American and European Rail, Defence, Technology & Heavy Manufacturing industries.

Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients' organisations with expertise spanning engineering, commercial, procurement, HR, IT, finance, HSQE, sales, projects, operations and c-suite.

We are trusted by over 100 leading organisations when they seek to make a leadership appointment, be that a permanent appointment or interim solutions.

We have been appointed on a retained search for an Interim Head of Control.

Below you will find a ‘candidate opportunity briefing document’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Head of Executive Search & Managing Consultant of Ford & Stanley Executive Search and the Operations Director.

Client Opportunity Statement:

“This will be a challenging contract with a number of hurdles along the way. Our successful Head of Control will have led control teams previously and will play an integral part in how this business moves forward”.

“Being a forward-thinking problem solver, you’ll identify areas for development within the team and have the ability to work with the team to develop capability.”

Client Company Overview

One the UK’s leading rail Freight businesses, currently working across four core business areas; Intermodal Freight Transport, Heavy Haul Services, Road Freight and Maintenance Services.

Challenges expected throughout the 6-month contract include:

It’s worth noting there are some people centred issues within the team and business, as such being able to conduct yourself with high levels of integrity and emotional intelligence is paramount.
In line with the people issues, there is a knock-on effect of competency-based issues within the team, being able to identify and improve these areas is key.
 Key deliverables throughout the 6-month contract include:

Increase the competencies within the pre-existing team – Understand where the skill gaps are and upskill.
Deliver on the transition of the business splitting across two areas (Heavy-Haul & Intermodal)
Drive the right-time performance (Get to the start line on time).
Ensure rigorous safety standards are met and adhered too.
Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

§  Previous experience of running a Control function. 

§  Ensuring the safety of the line at all times.

§  Experience of managing and upskilling teams.

§  Standardisation of log reports – Analyse, Update and Roll-out.

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)

§  Ability to effectively manage conflict and change – Great communicator.

§  Professional gravitas – Strong leadership skills and emotional intelligence.

§  Adaptive to a changing environment. 

Working Arrangements & Location:

Based on site full time 5 days per week at Ferrybridge.

Key Responsibilities across the term of the contract:

Leadership and Strategy: Leading a team of 7 direct reports with a wider team scope of 42 total people. There are some competencies and people issues within the team, so being someone who leads from the front, and by example is imperative.
Operational Oversight: Understanding that a delivery day within this team typically would be 24–72-hour period, liaising with and communicating with wider planning and operational teams.
Stakeholder Engagement: Realising the business culture may be fractured at times, ensuring that everyone aligns, having some uncertainty with changes to the business the ability to communicate and handle difficult conversations with various stakeholders.
Financial Management: No direct financial management required, however, understanding the impact to the business if the requirements for this role aren’t met.
Team Leadership: Leading the business unit forward.
Budget:
Low: £300 Per Day /Mid: £400 Per Day/High: £500 Per Day DOE

About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:

Please see supporting appendix: Executive Search Candidate Journey

 Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Services advertised by Ford & Stanley are that of an employment consultancy business