At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and create positive travel experiences onboard our trains.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a dynamic transport brand 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, comprehensive training, and great career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be the face of CrossCountry and make every journey memorable for our customers.
- Qualifications: Excellent people skills, customer service focus, and a strong work ethic required.
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 Bournemouth throughout 2026.
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 Bournemouth 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: 19th May 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- Bournemouth employer: Arriva
Contact Detail:
Arriva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Service Managers- Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CrossCountry and understand their values and customer service approach. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about connecting with customers, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident when it comes to delivering exceptional service on the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The retail environment can be unpredictable, so showcase your ability to handle different situations with ease. Share examples from past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can set up job alerts to stay updated on new opportunities at CrossCountry. Let’s make those journeys better together!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Service Managers- Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for customer service shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and ready to make every journey a positive experience for our customers.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention specific examples of your people skills and customer service achievements to stand out from the crowd.
Be Authentic: We’re after real personalities, not robots! Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice come through in your application. Share a bit about yourself and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates we’re considering!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨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 from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Retail Service Manager, you'll be interacting with customers constantly. Practice your communication skills and think of ways to showcase your approachable personality during the interview. Consider role-playing common customer scenarios with a friend to prepare for any questions about handling difficult situations.
✨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 unsocial 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.