Assistant Consultants: Fixed Term Assignment – 6 months

Who Are We?

First Rail Consultancy provides specialist services across the public transport sector, particularly in the rail industry. We work closely with other FirstGroup plc businesses including operators Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, all-electric train operator Lumo, systems developer Mistral Data and advising DfT on the future operation of HS2. We also provide consultancy services for First Bus, London Trams and external clients.

We deliver a wide range of services to meet our clients' needs including business development, branding, data analysis, engineering, project management, editorial work, and training. We also engage in commercial activity for FirstGroup plc to expand our business, both nationally and internationally. This work encompasses everything from contract bids and business planning to developing software services and new rail routes. We have assembled an experienced team with expertise in a range of disciplines. Just as importantly, we take great pride in being friendly, inclusive and supportive.

What is the role?

We are recruiting two Assistant Consultants to work with us on a six-month fixed term project based in London. The project will involve travel around London's rail network, working with a wide range of colleagues across the railway. One role will focus on numerical analysis while the other will focus of communication and engagement. The project is high profile with a firm deadline, which makes the work both challenging and exciting.

Key responsibilities for the roles are:

• Collating and analysing information including large volume data analysis
• Supporting the communication of plans, receiving and recording feedback
• Planning and coordinating events across the London railway network to share information
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Arranging meetings and note taking

Who are we looking for?

The successful applicant for the role will:

• Either be interested in analysis and enjoy working with data; or be interested in communication and enjoy developing was of informing and engaging people
• Be able to define opportunities and problems, collect data and make valid recommendations
• Enjoy working with a wide range of stakeholders, with the ability to build productive relationships
• Have strong attention to detail
• Be commercially savvy, able to challenge your own and other's thinking
• Be able to operate independently, determine priorities and drive forward assigned work in an enterprising way
• Be able to travel around the London rail network to attend meetings and workshops during the working day

Skills and Experience

• Strong Excel and/or PowerPoint skills
• Good organisational skills
• Strong empathy and ability to get on with a wide range of people
• Experience working in a team to achieve a planned result to a deadline
• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience

What can we offer you?

• A six month fixed term contract that includes the following benefits
• Minimum of 10% contribution to your Pension (5% employer and 5% employee)
• 25 days holiday (pro rata) plus national bank holidays
• Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a charity of your choice
• Shopping discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more
• Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider
• Flexible working – a mix of remote working/in-office with an average of 3 in-office days per week. Note: remote working is restricted to within the UK.
• While this role is a six month fixed term contract, it is possible other positions may becomes available as the responsibilities for this role are successfully completed.

FirstGroup plc welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive organisation because we believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, communities and our people. Valuing our differences and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience helps us develop new services, open up new markets and broaden our customer base.