At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and create positive travel experiences onboard our trains.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a dynamic team focused on customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,888, rising to £34,061, plus 30 days holiday and free travel perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a diverse environment.
- Why this job: Be the face of CrossCountry and make every journey memorable for our customers.
- Qualifications: Excellent people skills, customer service driven, and a strong work ethic.
The predicted salary is between 26888 - 34061 £ per year.
Join the Journey. Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment? If so, CrossCountry is looking for enthusiastic Retail Service Managers to join our dynamic team based in Reading.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Retail Service Manager, you will be the face of CrossCountry onboard our trains – providing a warm welcome, delivering a high-quality at-seat catering service, and making every journey a positive experience for our customers. From serving refreshments in Standard Class to offering complimentary service in First Class, you will play a key role in ensuring passengers travel in comfort and style.
What’s in it for you?
- Starting salary: £26,888, rising to £34,061 after successful training (based on a 38-hour week)
- Permanent, full-time position with great career prospects
- Comprehensive training and continuous support (Your initial 4-week training course will take place at our Customer Service Training Centre in Derby, where you will be trained on all aspects of the role).
- Opportunities to grow within a national transport brand.
What We Are Looking For
- Excellent people skills – confident, approachable, and great at connecting with customers.
- Customer service driven – Maintains a strong focus on customer satisfaction by delivering efficient, and proactive service at all times.
- Strong work ethic – reliable, consistent, and committed to high standards.
- Team player – work seamlessly with onboard crew and local colleagues.
- Flexible – able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Well-presented – professional appearance that reflects our brand.
- Personality – we want authentic, energetic individuals, not robots!
Location Requirement
You must live within 1 hour’s commute of Reading and be able to travel at unsocial hours reliably.
Why Join CrossCountry?
At CrossCountry, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We value the unique perspectives that everyone brings and believe this drives our success.
In Return Our Benefits Include
- Holiday allowance of 30 days, rising by one day a year up to a maximum 35 days.
- Pension is defined benefit, so contributions can vary but benefit is fixed and inflated each year.
- Free travel on Arriva Rail services (CrossCountry, Chiltern, London Overground and Grand Central)
- 75% off travel on other UK rail companies
- Discounted European rail travel after one year.
Application Deadline: Monday 15th June 2026. Please note, successful applicants will be required to attend a medical and have a DBS check. Join us and be part of something bigger – making journeys better, one customer at a time.
Retail Service Managers- Reading employer: Arriva Group
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant work culture and employee development, making it an ideal place for Retail Service Managers in Reading. With a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and generous benefits including 30 days of holiday and free travel on Arriva Rail services, we foster an inclusive environment where your contributions are valued. Join us to grow your career within a national transport brand while delivering outstanding customer service and making every journey memorable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Service Managers- Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on CrossCountry. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on showcasing your people skills and customer service experience, as these are key for the Retail Service Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Make sure you present yourself professionally during the interview. A well-put-together appearance reflects your commitment to high standards, which is exactly what CrossCountry is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Service Managers- Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for delivering exceptional customer service shine through. We want to see how you connect with people and make their experiences memorable!
Be Authentic:We’re looking for genuine personalities, so don’t be afraid to let your true self come across in your application. Share your unique experiences and what makes you a great fit for our team!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:As a Retail Service Manager, teamwork is key! Make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked well with others, as we value collaboration and a positive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website:To make the process smooth, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key customer service principles. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of exceptional service, especially in a fast-paced environment like CrossCountry. Be ready to share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Retail Service Manager, you'll need to connect with customers effortlessly. Practice your communication skills and think of ways to showcase your approachable personality during the interview. Consider role-playing common customer interactions to feel more confident.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter! Make sure you present yourself professionally, reflecting the brand's image. Choose an outfit that is smart and well-fitted, as this will show your commitment to maintaining high standards, which is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Since the job requires working at various hours, be prepared to discuss your availability. Think about your schedule and how you can accommodate early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Showing that you're flexible and reliable will make you stand out as a candidate.
