Head of Routes (Ferry Operations) – Surrey

A major UK-based transport operator is undergoing a period of transformation and is seeking three senior commercial leaders to take ownership of key operational routes.

Each role operates at Head of level, with full P&L accountability for a major route within the organisation’s network. The positions are strategically focused and play a critical role in driving commercial performance, optimising capacity and leading cross-functional collaboration during a key phase of change.

The three routes cover:

• Channel
• North Sea
• Irish Sea

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of financial performance for an assigned route, including revenue, cost control, contribution and long-term planning
• Lead route strategy through detailed analysis of market trends, customer demand and operational constraints
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Fleet, Ports and Finance teams to optimise overall route performance
• Develop, manage and report against route KPIs in collaboration with performance and finance teams
• Identify early indicators of underperformance and lead corrective action plans
• Balance passenger and freight requirements to maximise route contribution
• Identify and drive profitable growth opportunities across pricing, capacity and service delivery
• Chair and manage regular route performance meetings, ensuring actions are clearly tracked and delivered
• Prepare and present route performance updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholders
• Coordinate budget, forecast and multi-year planning for the route

Candidate Profile

• Proven P&L ownership at a senior level
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to translate data into decisions
• Experience operating in a matrix or cross-functional environment
• Confidence influencing senior stakeholders without direct line management
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to present financial information clearly
• Experience managing performance through periods of change or transformation

Personal Attributes

• Confident, resilient and comfortable operating in a high-visibility role
• Strong communicator, able to engage at all levels of an organisation
• Commercially curious and solutions-focused
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity through change
• Collaborative leadership style with a strong sense of ownership