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- Tasks: Lead Caledonian Sleeper Limited, ensuring performance and guest experience excellence.
- Company: Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight train services between London and Scotland, now publicly owned.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and impact on Scottish tourism.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in transport, enhancing guest experiences and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in service industries; entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to learning required.
- Other info: Equal opportunities employer, encouraging diverse applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Caledonian Sleeper is the collective name for overnight sleeper train services between London and Scotland. With roots dating back to 1873, the service has evolved through many operators and transitions over the years.
In June 2023, the service was taken into public ownership and is now being run by Caledonian Sleeper Limited, a subsidiary of Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm’s length company owned and controlled by the Scottish Government. This new arrangement replaces the previous franchise, operated by Serco.
We are now seeking a Managing Director to lead Caledonian Sleeper Limited through the next phase of its journey. This is a high-profile, strategic, and hands-on leadership role. The Managing Director is fully accountable for the company’s performance, ensuring delivery against the outcomes set out in the grant agreement, while contributing to the broader goals of Scotland’s transport policy.
The role requires an innovative, commercially focused leader with a strong track record of delivering service excellence and transformational change within complex stakeholder environments. You will guide the organisation towards market growth, operational excellence, and enhanced guest experiences, overseeing daily operations while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and high performance.
With proven experience in delivering transformational guest experiences and substantial senior management experience within either the transport, hospitality, or service industries, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong leadership track record, extensive expertise in managing and motivating teams, and the ability to influence and drive positive change to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Whilst prior railway experience or experience within a public or private sector environment is not essential, the successful candidate must demonstrate a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with a strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.
If you are excited by the opportunity to generate significant value to the Scottish economy via increased tourism, we would love to hear from you. Please apply or contact our retained advisor, Douglas Adam at douglasadam@livingstonjames.com, for a confidential discussion.
Any direct applications or third-party introductions to Caledonian Sleeper will be forwarded to Livingston James for consideration.
Caledonian Sleeper is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Managing Director employer: Caledonian Sleeper
Contact Detail:
Caledonian Sleeper Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Research the current landscape of the transport and hospitality industries in Scotland. Understanding recent trends, challenges, and opportunities will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with key players who can provide insights and potentially support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering a culture of safety and collaboration. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through transformational change.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial mindset by thinking of innovative ideas that could enhance guest experiences on the Caledonian Sleeper. Presenting fresh concepts can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Managing Director position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the strategic leadership and operational excellence required.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your senior management experience, particularly in transport, hospitality, or service industries. Emphasise your track record in delivering transformational change and guest experiences, using specific examples where possible.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to Scotland’s transport policy. Highlight your innovative mindset and commitment to continuous learning, as well as your ability to lead teams and drive positive change.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a high-profile role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caledonian Sleeper
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Managing Director, your leadership skills are paramount. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven transformational change in previous roles, particularly in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Highlight your understanding of market growth and operational excellence. Discuss strategies you've implemented that have positively impacted guest experiences and contributed to the overall success of an organisation.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to show your ability to manage and influence various stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you've navigated complex stakeholder relationships to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Express Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
The role requires a proactive mindset and a commitment to learning. Be ready to talk about how you stay updated with industry trends and how this curiosity has helped you innovate in your previous positions.