At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage real-time train services and ensure top-notch passenger experiences.
- Company: Join one of Britain’s busiest train operators with a commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's journeys while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Good knowledge of train operations and strong communication skills required.
Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference in people’s day? We are seeking a Train Service Manager to join our team based from KICC, Puddle Dock. Can you move people? Apply now.
What you’ll do
The Train Service Manager monitors and manages the real time delivery of Southern’s train service, making sure that we provide the best possible passenger service and operational performance. You will make sure the service runs on time whilst protecting the needs of passengers, making best use of resources and adhering to contractual requirements. If things don’t go according to plan, you will decide the best course of action and put this into place, working with Southern and Network Rail staff to ensure that we get our trains back on time as quickly and efficiently as possible with the best interest of our passengers in mind. Working in our 24/7 Control Centre, this is a challenging, varied role which requires you to have both a good head for detailed planning and for making quick decisions with the ability to keep calm under pressure. Communication skills are vital as you will be dealing with a wide variety of roles across our company.
Qualifications & Requirements
- An awareness of the impact of actions/decisions made on passengers and staff
- Thorough knowledge of the relevant geography, including stations and track layouts and services operated by Southern.
- Good knowledge of relevant operating, rolling stock, engineering, train crew and station procedures.
- Good knowledge of passenger flows around the Southern network
- Good knowledge of generally available and bespoke IT systems
- Good general education with passes in English Language and Mathematics.
- Ability to create own inputs and influence at a number of levels in the organisation.
- Ability to produce and implement emergency plans when routes become blocked.
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Other things to know
This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role. If you applied but weren’t successful in getting a similar role at Southern, please wait six months before applying again.
Along with your salary, the rewards you’ll get include:
- a final salary pension
- 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays)
We’re one of Britain’s busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations. However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It’s about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey. It’s also about making our railway a great place to work and building a team that represents the communities we serve. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment, and we’re proud that this continues to be recognised through employer accreditations and our ongoing endorsement as a WORK180 Employer for Women.
Our ways of working are what we expect of everyone at Southern. They are powerful. Tiny moments, every day, from every one of us, add up to massive, positive change. Improving how it feels to work here and how it feels to travel with us. At the heart of everything we do, our Safeguarding Team works to keep our customers, colleagues, and the public safe by improving safeguarding measures and knowledge making sure everyone gets home safe, every day.
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Shift work: to include weekends
Salary: £43,221 rising to £49,955 per annum upon successful completion of training and being competent in post
Working Hours: 37
Full address: 1 Puddledock, London
Closing Date: 09/07/2026
Job Category: Management
Region / Division: London Head Office
Business Unit: Train Services
Train Service Manager employer: South Eastern Railway
At Southern, we pride ourselves on being more than just a train operator; we are a community-focused employer dedicated to making a positive impact on our passengers' journeys. Based in the vibrant KICC at Puddle Dock, we offer a supportive and inclusive work culture, competitive benefits including a final salary pension and generous annual leave, as well as opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic 24/7 environment. Join us in delivering exceptional service while enjoying a fulfilling career that values your contributions and prioritises safety and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Train Service Manager
✨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 South Eastern Railway.
✨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 South Eastern Railway. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Train Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at South Eastern Railway, 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 South Eastern Railway 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 South Eastern Railway. 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 South Eastern Railway
✨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 South Eastern Railway.
✨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 South Eastern Railway.
