At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and coordinate rail replacement bus services while ensuring passenger safety.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK operator embracing innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health benefits, flexible hours, and discounted travel for you and your family.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public transport while enjoying variety and flexibility in your work schedule.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a passion for transport; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 31000 £ per year.
About First Bus: Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting‑edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
About the role: As a Rail Replacement Coordinator, you’ll be the face of First Travel Solutions (FTS). You will be responsible for supervising and coordinating the safe and timely operation of our rail replacement bus, events and coach services, including ensuring the safety of our passengers, your colleagues, the public and yourself! You will also provide assistance and information to passengers and consistently demonstrate excellent customer service skills along with maintaining high standards in data collection via our coordination portal and helping FTS in maintaining high vehicle standards and regulations auditing.
If you have a passion for transport and customer service, you’re happy to work weekends and you would like to work flexible hours at a competitive rate of pay, then we’d like to hear from you. You would be working on an annualised hours contract (minimum 10 hours per year). Shifts are mainly at weekends, they are offered as and when we have rail replacement operations running, giving you a variety of shifts times, locations and working hours that suit you. For this reason, our Coordinators come from all walks of life, and many choose to work for us due to the flexibility and variety we can offer. Our Coordination staff are great ambassadors, resilient, collaborative and caring. Working as part of a team, you will balance great customer care with the highest safety standards at all times.
What are we looking for?
- Experience of working in the transport industry is desirable but not essential.
- You’ll be committed to providing a consistently excellent standard of customer service.
- Confident in engaging our drivers on regulations and adherence to PSVAR/PSVAIR.
- A great communicator who is enthusiastic and approachable.
- Patient, reliable and calm when working under pressure.
- Confident working as a team and independently and using your own initiative.
- The flexibility to work a variety of shift times, including early mornings, evenings, late nights, and weekends.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a safety critical role and is physically demanding. You will be on your feet for up to 12 hours, handling passenger luggage in all weather conditions, sometimes without shelter. You must also have access to your own transportation and be located 10 miles from one of the key stations.
Rewards: Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support. We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc. Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass, Cycle to work scheme, 25 days' holiday + bank holidays, Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares, Enhanced maternity / paternity pay, Flexible working.
Equal Opportunities: Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.
Rail Replacement Coordinator in Exeter employer: First Group
Contact Detail:
First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Replacement Coordinator in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research First Bus and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and safety standards. Role-play with a friend to build your confidence and get feedback on your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at First Bus. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Replacement Coordinator in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Transport: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the transport industry shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering excellent customer service.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have in customer service. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to engage with passengers and provide top-notch assistance, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and relevant to the Rail Replacement Coordinator role. Avoid jargon and keep it simple!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with First Bus and its commitment to innovation in public transport. Understand their values around customer service and safety, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss how you align with their mission can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Rail Replacement Coordinator, excellent customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Think about situations where you had to handle difficult passengers or resolve issues quickly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
This role requires working various shifts, so be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlight any previous experience working in teams, especially in high-pressure environments, to show that you can collaborate effectively while maintaining a calm demeanour.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Since this is a safety-critical role, expect questions about safety protocols and regulations. Brush up on PSVAR/PSVAIR regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure passenger safety while coordinating services. Showing that you take safety seriously will impress your interviewers.