At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure drivers deliver top-notch service and maintain safety standards.
- Company: Join GWR, a dynamic and inclusive railway company with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a workplace that values every individual.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key operational role within a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: Mainline train driving competence and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the team
The Drivers team in the East Region is an exciting place to be. Reading Depot is amongst the largest on the GWR Network and with Reading Drivers working on multiple tractions, it makes for a challenging and rewarding work environment. As a Driver Standards Manager you will find that no two days are the same in this dynamic location. Working in a large team and together with the wider East Region, we will achieve our goals and deliver a fantastic service.
About the job
Driver Standards Manager is a key operational role at the forefront of our business. You will ensure our Drivers are equipped with all the tools and knowledge to allow them to deliver a first‑class service. Managing your own team, as part of the wider Depot you will deal with both competence and people management to offer the best possible support for your Drivers.
What you’ll be doing
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Supply subject matter expertise relating to the development of company standards and working practices.
- Using your skills and knowledge to deliver a safe, reliable railway.
- Committed to delivering results with minimum supervision.
About you
You’ll need to be:
- Able to work flexibly and efficiently.
- A team player with excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.
- Able to learn/adapt to change.
- Able to work methodically and create/maintain accurate records.
- Able to undertake on call duties on early and late shifts.
As a minimum you’ll need to have:
- Mainline train driving competence.
- A positive attitude to learning.
Additionally, the following are highly desirable:
- Good Microsoft office skills.
- D31/D32 or A1 assessor certification.
- Previous line management experience.
- Excellent knowledge of operational rules and standards.
About the location
Reading Station, Reading
Working Pattern
On call hours and 'as required,' to suit the needs of the business.
For further information please contact Graham Caskie, Driver Depot Manager: Graham.Caskie@gwr.com; 07771 830929
Employment Equity
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver Standards Manager in Reading
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like FirstGroup Internal.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by FirstGroup Internal. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Driver Standards Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at FirstGroup Internal, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at FirstGroup Internal and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into FirstGroup Internal. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup Internal
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at FirstGroup Internal.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to FirstGroup Internal.
