At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the face of GWR, ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for passengers.
- Company: Join Great Western Railway, transforming rail travel with exceptional service.
- Benefits: Health cash plan, gym discounts, free travel pass, and more perks.
- Other info: Full training provided, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on customer experiences while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join Great Western Railway and help deliver a world‑class service to our customers across the West of England. As a Train Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all our passengers.
What You’ll Do?
- Be the face of GWR, providing friendly, helpful and professional customer service.
- Manage the safety and operation of the train, liaising with drivers and station colleagues.
- Check and sell tickets while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment on board.
- Handle customer queries and situations calmly and confidently.
What We’re Looking For?
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- A positive, proactive attitude and professional approach.
- Flexibility to work various shifts (including weekends and bank holidays).
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and work as part of a team.
- Previous front‑line customer service experience is desirable.
Working Pattern?
Average 35 hours per week (shift work including early mornings, late finishes, weekends & bank holidays).
Key Details?
As this is a safety crucial role applicants must be 18 or over and live within 60 minutes of station to apply. As a safety‑critical role, you’ll need to pass a medical, including hearing, vision and colour vision tests. Full training is provided to set you up for success in the role. You must live within a maximum of 60 minutes’ travelling time of the depot.
What to Expect?
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be invited to complete an online Situational Judgement Test (recommended on a laptop or computer). After the vacancy closes, we’ll review our database for any previous test results and update your application accordingly. You’ll receive practice materials before being sent your online tests 7 days later. Once you’ve completed your tests (recommended on a laptop or computer), your application will be reviewed. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend an assessment day, which will include group exercises, followed by a competency‑based interview for successful candidates. Successful applicants will then need to pass a medical assessment (including colour vision, drug and alcohol screening) and complete a Basic DBS check. Full training will be provided, including a 7 to 8‑weeks training programme in Swindon, designed to equip you with all the skills and knowledge needed for the role.
About GWR?
At GWR, we are proud to carry over 100 million passenger journeys every year to more than 275 stations across the South West, Wales and London. With some of the UK’s newest trains and a commitment to exceptional service, we are transforming rail travel. We believe rail is more than just transport – it’s a relaxing, efficient and enjoyable experience. That’s why we’re looking for people who will help us revalue rail and make every journey special.
Perks & Benefits?
- Health & Wellbeing: Health Cash Plan, health screenings, EAP, gym discounts.
- Lifestyle: Costco membership, bike scheme, retail discounts.
- Financial: Pension, share‑saving schemes, payroll giving.
- Travel: Free GWR Travel pass. Discounted Friends and Family tickets, Eurostar and European rail travel.
Our Commitment to Inclusion?
We all belong to GWR. We embrace diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all. Differences in age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability are valued, with zero tolerance for prejudice. We promote flexible working, review job roles for accessibility and support colleagues in thriving. If you need adjustments due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please let us know.
Exceptional Individuals – Neurodiversity Health Assured – Neurodiversity GWR has achieved its highest customer satisfaction in over 20 years — 92%, with record scores in comfort, service and station experience. Join the team behind this success and help us raise the bar even higher!
Train Manager employer: First Group
Great Western Railway is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while delivering outstanding service to passengers across the West of England. With comprehensive training programmes, a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a range of benefits including health cash plans and free travel passes, GWR fosters a supportive work culture that encourages growth and teamwork. Join us in transforming rail travel and making every journey special for our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Train Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know GWR and what they stand for! Research their values and customer service approach. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your situational judgement skills! Since you'll be taking an online test, try out some practice scenarios related to customer service. This will help you think on your feet and respond confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the assessment day! Brush up on your teamwork skills and prepare for group exercises. Show off your ability to stay calm under pressure and work well with others – that's what GWR is looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and resources to help you succeed in landing that Train Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Train Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your experiences align with our values at GWR.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Train Manager role. Highlight your customer service skills and any relevant experience that shows you can handle the responsibilities of managing safety and operations on board.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Customer Service Skills
As a Train Manager, you'll be the face of GWR, so brush up on your customer service skills. Think about past experiences where you provided excellent service and be ready to share those stories during the interview. Highlight how you handled difficult situations calmly and professionally.
✨Understand Safety Protocols
Since this role is safety-critical, it's essential to demonstrate your understanding of safety protocols. Familiarise yourself with basic train safety measures and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for passengers while managing the operation of the train.
✨Show Flexibility and Team Spirit
GWR values flexibility and teamwork, especially with shift work involved. Be ready to talk about your availability and any previous experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing situations or worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Situational Judgement Tests
Before your interview, take some time to practice situational judgement tests. These will assess how you handle various scenarios that may arise on the job. Use the practice materials provided by GWR to get comfortable with the format and types of questions you might encounter.
