Context (why this role exists)
The Great Central Railway is entering a period of commercial evolution. We have strong fundamentals, a distinctive product, and significant growth potential, but our commercial approach is not yet fully joined up.
We are looking for someone who can help us turn insight into action, improve how we use data, and drive revenue growth in a practical, hands-on way.
This is not a pure strategy role. It is about doing as well as thinking.
What success looks like (first 12–18 months)
- Clearer visibility of performance across key revenue streams
- Practical improvements to pricing, yield, and product offer
- Better use of data to inform decisions (without waiting for perfect systems)
- Stronger alignment between operations, marketing, and commercial activity
- Incremental but tangible revenue growth
Candidate profile
We are deliberately open on background, but we are looking for the following core attributes:
1. Commercially curious and data-informed
- Uses data to identify opportunities and drive decisions
- Comfortable working with incomplete or imperfect datasets
- Focused on insight → action, not reporting for its own sake
2. Energetic hands-on operator
- Will personally drive initiatives, not just design them
- Comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels
- Able to deliver outcomes in a resource-constrained environment
3. Strong influencer in complex environments
- Able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Builds trust quickly and brings people with them
- Particularly comfortable in values-led, volunteer-rich organisations
4. Connector and integrator
- Joins up different parts of the organisation into a coherent commercial approach
- Works across operations, marketing, retail, and events
- Sees the whole system, not just individual functions
5. Growth-oriented with a test-and-learn mindset
- Actively identifies and pursues revenue opportunities
- Comfortable experimenting, iterating, and refining
- Balances ambition with pragmatism
6. Resilient and persistent
- Comfortable operating in an environment with:
- imperfect systems
- competing priorities
- differing viewpoints
- Maintains momentum without becoming frustrated or combative
- Applies steady, constructive pressure to move things forward
We are particularly open to candidates earlier in their careers who demonstrate strong potential, attitude, and drive.
Background (indicative, not restrictive)
We are open to candidates from sectors such as:
- Visitor attractions / heritage / tourism
- Transport (rail, aviation, bus)
- Hospitality / leisure
- Retail or e-commerce with operational complexity
Experience in non-corporate or evolving environments would be advantageous.
What we are not looking for
- Pure strategists without delivery experience
- Individuals reliant on fully mature systems and structures
- People who default to analysis without action
- Highly corporate operators who may struggle in a volunteer-led environment
Key message for candidates
This is an opportunity to take a distinctive, under-exploited business and quietly but materially improve its commercial performance through practical, hands-on leadership.
If you’re interested please email recruitment@gcrailway.co.uk with your CV.
