At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a strategic workforce plan for customer service.
- Company: Join GTR, a leading rail operator with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free travel, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in customer journeys while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
£48,000 - £52,000 depending on experience
Location: Croydon along with hybrid working
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing date: 17th September 2026
This is a great opportunity for those looking to challenge themselves as we design and implement a workforce plan. Join the customer service directorate's on-call frontline management structure.
What You’ll Do
- Taking responsibility for creating the Customer Service Directorate's workforce plan.
- Produce and deliver plans which ensure we recruit and train colleagues efficiently and effectively to meet strategic objectives and KPI deliverables.
- Implement initiatives outlined in our Annual Business Plan.
- Work with GTR stakeholders, senior leaders, DfTO and other parties to draft submissions and present ideas.
- Own the customer service directorate's strategic resourcing relationship.
- Report on existing service level agreements.
- Act as a key conduit between the customer service directorate and GTR's people function.
- Use data and insights to seek opportunities to optimise our frontline workforce design.
- Build compelling local and directorate change proposals that support our strategy.
- Project manage approved changes, developing a sustainable and effective railway.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Join the customer service directorate's on-call frontline management structure.
- Analyse finance, rostering, accessibility and other data to optimise our workforce design.
- Report on key initiatives across recruitment and workforce, ensuring we are meeting our Annual Business Plan commitment.
- Produce excellently written submissions and presentations for a variety of stakeholders.
- Work closely with GTR's finance team to ensure we're meeting KPIs.
What We Can Offer You
- Final salary pension.
- Free travel on GTR and sister groups for you and your family.
- 75% off travel on other train operating companies for you, and leisure for your family.
- Discounted Oyster Card.
- Family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.
- Access to StarHub – our employee benefits platform offering discounts with a wide range of retailers and services.
- Career development and progression opportunities across the UK's largest rail networks.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to millions of customer journeys every year.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Workforce Planning & Development Manager in Croydon employer: Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where customer service excellence is at the forefront. With opportunities for training and apprenticeships, employees can grow their skills while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and proactive service. Located in a vibrant area, our stations provide a unique chance to engage with the community and make a real difference in people's travel experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workforce Planning & Development Manager in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Workforce Planning & Development Manager at Govia Thameslink Railway!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Govia Thameslink Railway or be willing to refer you for that Workforce Planning & Development Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Govia Thameslink Railway who’s on the lookout for their next Workforce Planning & Development Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Workforce Planning & Development Manager role at Govia Thameslink Railway!
We think you need these skills to ace Workforce Planning & Development Manager in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Govia Thameslink Railway. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Govia Thameslink Railway
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Govia Thameslink Railway. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
