At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team of Driver Managers to ensure train safety and performance.
- Company: Join West Midlands Trains, delivering 1,300 journeys daily for over 60 million passengers.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, retail discounts, and a top pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on safety, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams, strong communication skills, and knowledge of train operations required.
- Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway. We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees.
We are looking to recruit an Area Driver Manager, Shrewsbury & Worcester, to lead and manage a team of Driver Managers to deliver train safety, performance, service reliability and customer satisfaction.
What does the job involve?
- Leadership, management, coaching, mentoring and development of a team of Driver Managers who are responsible for the management and competency assessment of Drivers.
- With Head of Train Crew agree business and performance targets and develop action plans to deliver objectives.
- Cascade performance targets to managers through performance meetings - reviewing progress against plan.
- Manage the collective and individual employee relations arrangements and processes at a local level creating a positive working environment as measured in the employee engagement survey.
- Maximise driver resources by ensuring managers control all aspects of off train working (e.g. attendance and disciplinary issues) and ensure that driver productivity is maximised through the timely delivery of route and traction knowledge.
- Manage recruitment of staff as required.
- On call and incident management, command responsibilities & duties (inc TOLO) as required.
- Ensure compliance with all safety responsibilities and comply with commitments within the West Midlands Trains Safety Certificate.
- Ensure competence assessment of all staff is fully undertaken.
- Manage and implement recommendations of incident and accident investigations.
- With Head of Drivers design and implement customer service improvement plans based on SQMS and NPS feedback.
- With Head of Drivers design and implement employee engagement plans based on feedback from the employee engagement survey.
- Ensure effective communication processes are in place to allow two way communication including compliance with safety briefs.
- Manage budgets and prepare budgetary forecasts, business cases and strategy papers as required.
- Contribute to the delivery of wider company objectives, including the management of strategic projects.
Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge of West Midlands Trains operations and geography.
- Knowledge of Drivers rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of Driver terms and conditions.
- Knowledge of safety and quality standards.
Skills
- Credible leader with experience of managing and engaging with geographically spread teams.
- Strong communication skills with an ability to influence and negotiate.
- Ability to effectively manage budgets and performance/service targets against a wide range of metrics.
- Confident in dealing with a range of data and proficient at problem analysis and solution delivery.
- Self-motivated, able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- Strong planning and organising skills with the ability to prioritise for self and others.
What are the salary and benefits?
- Competitive dependant on experience.
- Defined Benefit pension - one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children.
- 75% off all other train company travel tickets.
- Retail discounts.
- Career development opportunities.
Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation. Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.
Area Driver Manager employer: Greater Anglia
Contact Detail:
Greater Anglia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Driver Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with West Midlands Trains' operations and geography. Understanding the specific routes and services will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of West Midlands Trains. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing geographically spread teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged and motivated team members in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of safety and quality standards relevant to the transport industry. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you are serious about maintaining high safety standards in your role.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Driver Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Area Driver Manager. Familiarise yourself with the key skills and experiences required, such as leadership, budget management, and knowledge of driver regulations.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing teams, handling budgets, and ensuring safety compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to meet performance targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the transport industry. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and values, particularly in delivering safe and reliable train services.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Anglia
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research West Midlands Trains thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and recent developments. This will not only show your interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Area Driver Manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. Be ready to discuss your coaching and mentoring style.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios related to driver management, safety compliance, and employee relations. Practise articulating how you would handle these situations effectively.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with teams, influenced stakeholders, and ensured two-way communication in previous positions. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.