At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and create positive experiences for passengers on our trains.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a leading transport brand with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,888, rising to £34,061, plus 30 days holiday and free travel perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be the face of CrossCountry and make every journey memorable for our customers.
- Qualifications: Excellent people skills and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 26888 - 34061 £ per year.
Retail Service Managers – Edinburgh (On Board Catering Crew)
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service?
Do you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment?
If so, Cross Country is looking for enthusiastic Retail Service Managers to join our dynamic team based in Edinburgh throughout 2026.
What you’ll be doing
As a Retail Service Manager, you will be the face of Cross Country onboard our trains – providing a warm welcome, delivering a high-quality at-seat catering service through the train, 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 pa during training, 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 Edinburgh and be able to travel at unsocial hours reliably.
Why Join Cross Country?
At Cross Country, 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.
- Holiday allowance of 30 days, rising by one day a year up to a maximum 35 days.
- Entry into the Pension Scheme
- Free travel on Arriva Rail services (Cross Country, Chiltern, London Overground and Grand Central)
- 75% off travel on other UK rail companies
- Discounted European rail travel after one year.
Application Deadline: Friday 4th September 2026.
Please note, successful applicants will be required to attend a medical and have a DBS check.
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Retail Service Managers- Edinburgh employer: Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering comprehensive training and a clear career progression path within the national transport sector. With a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, employees enjoy generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and free travel on various rail services, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Service Managers- Edinburgh
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Chiltern Railways, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Chiltern Railways!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Service Managers- Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Chiltern Railways, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Chiltern Railways and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Chiltern Railways that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chiltern Railways
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
