Department for Transport

Nishani Balendra – Commercial Associate

Before joining the Commercial Development programme, I had just qualified as a solicitor after graduating from Oxford University in Law. The attraction of the Commercial Development programme was not only that I would be developing key, in demand commercial skills, but also the variety of work that would be open to me through the three one year placements. I also looked forward to the prospect of working on large projects and grappling with some of the key challenges in infrastructure.

Why did you decide to apply to the DfT Commecial Development Programme?

The Commercial Development programme provides you with the opportunity to undertake a professional qualification, which will add to and enhance the commercial work experience you gain on the programme. In addition there is a comprehensive support network through mentors (including senior civil service mentor and mentor to assist with professional qualifications) and a buddy, which helped me to fit into the culture and work practices of the DfT relatively quickly, whilst at the same time providing me with invaluable guidance on work and career development.

How have you found your DfT work placement?

My first role was as an assistant commercial adviser on the HS2 project. I helped to develop, track and implement contract management and change processes arising from DfT’s contract with HS2 Ltd, which involved me working closely with commercial consultants and regularly attending and contributing to meetings with senior managers at both HS2 Ltd and the DfT. My first role exposed me to the sheer breadth and complexity of a project worth over £50 billion, and proved to be a fast-paced, challenging but ultimately rewarding environment to work in.

Oliver completed a summer internship at a logistics company in China before joining the DfT Commercial Development Programme in 2014.

First placement: As a Corporate Finance Adviser, I worked on some of the most significant projects, programmes and policy initiatives across the Department’s portfolio. This included: o Providing specialist corporate finance and commercial support to internal clients across a range of business areas with a particular focus on public/private partnerships

– Writing submissions and briefings to Ministers and Investment Boards
– Working on the installation of financial and legal advisors
– Leading on team improvement initiatives

I found the scope of work broad as well as stretching and I’ve had the opportunity to work with very talented and intelligent individuals at DfT.

Second placement: My second placement was a secondment into the Procurement Operations team of High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd as a Commercial Analyst. I gained experience of the procurement cycle (procurement strategy, ITT preparation, bidder commercial evaluation, bid moderation, contractualisation and contract management handover) by leading on appropriately sized procurements and supporting senior colleagues on higher value requirements.

Third placement: As Commercial Manager I lead the commercial and contractual relationship between the Department for Transport and the train operator for the West Midlands Franchise: London Midland. Overall, my responsibility is to manage compliance with the Franchise Agreement to ensure that contractual obligations are delivered and passenger benefits are realised. This is in the context of continuously aligning the contract to changing market needs and Departmental policy. I manage a small team in the form of a Contract Manager to whom I delegate appropriate work. I also represent the Department at external stakeholder events. I provide quality, accurate and timely information to advisers Ministers and senior colleagues as required, including responses to Prime Minister’s Questions, Parliamentary Questions and briefings, etc. as well as other franchise specific information to colleagues where required.

After the programme: I have successfully secured a senior management position in Rail Franchising on a permanent basis. Rail franchising is an incredibly exciting area in which to work, where no two days are the same and you have to be flexible and adapt to a very dynamic working environment. I also really enjoy the political atmosphere and meeting external stakeholders, particularly in the context of the new devolved arrangements to managing the successor West Midlands franchise in partnership with West Midlands Rail.