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- Tasks: Assist in train planning activities and optimise timetables for GWR services.
- Company: Join Great Western Railway, a leader in transforming train travel across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy free rail travel, health care plans, and discounts while working in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of railway operations with exciting challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong logic skills, problem-solving abilities, and good numeracy are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Short Term Planning Assistants - Talent Pool for Future Opportunities
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 and friendly.
About the team: We are currently seeking applications for our Train Planning Talent Pool for future anticipated opportunities. The Train Planning team is responsible for all timetabling and diagramming for GWR and Heathrow Express Services. It's a great team with a fast moving pace of change and a significant volume of work. Looking ahead, the remainder of 2024 and beyond is set to be an exciting and challenging time as we continue to work through timetable changes and schemes. If you are after a challenge and you have a real interest in Railway Operations, we would really like to hear from you.
About the job: The anticipated future roles would be undertaking train planning activities in connection with planned engineering work and special events. This could include working out timings for our trains, rolling stock diagrams and traincrew diagrams. You would be responsible for ensuring we put in place best optimal plans to help meet the needs of our customers.
Your main responsibilities would be:
- Work with internal functions and Network Rail Train Planning to ensure the timetable is as optimised as it can be
- To undertake train planning activity in one of the major disciplines within the TPU
- Replanning train services and where appropriate putting on rail replacement road transport in connection with planned engineering work.
You’ll need to be:
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the running of the operational railway
- Able to appreciate commercial and customer priorities and issues when developing train plans
- Able to work around planned amendments and constraints relating to Network Rail engineering work, special events and other factors that may affect the timetable
- Able to work flexibly and to tight timescales/deadlines
As a minimum you’ll need to have:
- Excellent logic skills
- Ability to solve problems in a calm and systematic way
- Good levels of numeracy and PC literacy
About the location: Any future roles would be based in Milford House in Swindon in the Train Planning Department. Flexibility is a really important value to the team and we would be happy to discuss this with you.
Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week
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 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 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 such as 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.
Short Term Planning Assistant employer: Great Western Railway (GWR)
Contact Detail:
Great Western Railway (GWR) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Short Term Planning Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the operational aspects of the railway. Understanding how train planning works and the challenges involved will help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of GWR, especially those in the Train Planning team. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific skills that are highly regarded.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments in railway operations and engineering work. Being knowledgeable about current events in the industry can demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising problem-solving scenarios related to train planning. This will help you showcase your logical thinking and ability to work under pressure, which are crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Short Term Planning Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Short Term Planning Assistant. Familiarise yourself with train planning activities and the importance of optimising timetables for customer satisfaction.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience and skills in your CV that align with the job description. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, logic skills, and any previous experience in railway operations or similar fields.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for railway operations and your understanding of the commercial and customer priorities involved in train planning. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Western Railway (GWR)
✨Understand the Railway Operations
Make sure you have a solid grasp of how the operational railway functions. Familiarise yourself with train planning activities, especially in relation to engineering work and special events, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to solve problems calmly and systematically. Think about past experiences where you had to adapt to changes or overcome challenges, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
✨Highlight Your Numeracy and PC Literacy
Since the role requires good levels of numeracy and PC skills, be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis or any relevant software. You might even want to brush up on any tools commonly used in train planning.
✨Show Flexibility and Time Management
GWR values flexibility, so be prepared to discuss how you manage tight deadlines and adapt to changing circumstances. Share specific instances where you successfully navigated time constraints while maintaining quality in your work.