At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome passengers and provide exceptional at-seat service on weekends.
- Company: Join GWR, a leading railway network transforming train travel in the UK.
- Benefits: Earn up to £17,232, enjoy free rail travel, and access great discounts.
- Why this job: Perfect for those with weekday commitments who love customer service.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 13172 - 17232 £ per year.
Who are we? GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 stations in the South West, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK's top tourist destinations. We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service? We're looking for friendly and enthusiastic individuals to enhance our passengers' weekend journeys, perfect for those with weekday commitments.
What's in It for You?
- Salary: £13,172 (first six months), rising to £17,232 after completing training and probation
- Hours: 17.5 per week (Saturday & Sunday)
- Annual Leave: 13 days per year
- Comprehensive Training – We set you up for success! 2 weeks of full-time classroom training in Swindon followed by onboard training at your base location, with flexibility based on your learning pace
- Excellent Benefits: Free rail travel, pension, healthcare plan, retail discounts & more!
As a Weekend Customer Host, You Will:
- Provide a warm welcome and outstanding at-seat refreshment service
- Enhance customers' journeys with exceptional service
- Work onboard, engaging with passengers and creating a positive experience
What We're Looking For:
- Customer service experience
- A passion for delivering exceptional experiences
- Flexibility to work all weekends and bank holidays
- A proactive approach—customers always come first!
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team
Preferred:
- Cash handling and food safety experience
Additional Information:
- You must live within 45–60 minutes of the station and be able to get to work without relying on public transport (staff parking isn't always guaranteed at our stations).
- The selection process includes an assessment centre with group activities showcasing your customer service skills. If successful, you'll be invited to a 1-2-1 interview with the hiring team; this could be on the same day or scheduled later.
The Reward
As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including ongoing development, defined benefit pension scheme, free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, company-sponsored health care plan, discounted shopping and gym membership, and an employee assistance programme.
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
Weekend Customer Host employer: First Group
Contact Detail:
First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Customer Host
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know GWR and what they stand for! Research their values and mission, especially around customer service. This will help you connect with the team during your assessment centre and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these stories during group activities and your interview – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and show your enthusiasm! GWR is looking for individuals who can work weekends and bank holidays. Make sure to express your willingness to adapt and your excitement about enhancing passengers' journeys.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the selection process right there. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Customer Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for delivering exceptional customer service shine through. We want to see how you can enhance our passengers' journeys and make their weekends special!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for in a Weekend Customer Host.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for strong communication skills!
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 Customer Service Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your customer service experience. Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer. GWR is all about enhancing passenger journeys, so be ready to share how you can contribute to that.
✨Show Your Passion
GWR is looking for friendly and enthusiastic individuals. During the interview, let your passion for delivering exceptional experiences shine through. Share why you love working with people and how you can make their weekends special.
✨Be Ready for Group Activities
The selection process includes group activities, so be prepared to showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Practice being proactive and engaging with others, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well in a team setting.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires working weekends and bank holidays, be ready to discuss your availability. Show that you're flexible and committed to making the most of this opportunity, which will resonate well with the hiring team.