At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Train Planning team in creating efficient train service plans and documentation.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, connecting communities across South West London and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel on SWR services, discounts, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Dive into the exciting world of train planning and make a real impact on operations.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education with strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Who are we? South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight. Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.
About the Team: No two days are ever the same in the Train Planning team. It is a fantastic environment where you will learn about timetabling and the diagramming of rolling stock and traincrew to deliver an excellent service for our customers.
About the job: If you love problem-solving, a career in Train Planning could be perfect for you. This role assists in providing the Train Planning team with support and enhanced resource in the compilation and documentation of efficient and effective train service and associated resource plans. To gain experience and acquire skills and knowledge in all technical aspects of the train planning process; its associated techniques and systems. To gain a working appreciation of how the technical skills of train planning and the plans they generate influence operations, performance, customer service, resourcing, commercial and other business requirements.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- To learn and understand the Train Planning processes
- To assist as directed in the production of train plans incorporating timetables (train and bus) along with associated rolling stock and traincrew diagrams
- To input and document train plans enabling their publication to concerned operational and customer service functions.
- To assist with other activities within the Train Planning team as required by the Train Planning Manager.
- To act as a positive role model at all times in matters relating to Health and Safety.
You’ll need to be:
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Have an appreciation of the subsections of train planning, how they interlink and impact on each other.
- A good knowledge of South Western Railway geography.
About the location: The South Western Railway HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well-known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport.
Working pattern: An average of 37 hours per week, typically office hours Monday - Friday.
The Reward: In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:
- Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
- Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
- 75% discount on many other train operating companies
- Full training and support with development
- Excellent pension scheme
We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all 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.
Train Planning Support employer: South Western Railway
South Western Railway is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where skilled technicians can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have opportunities for on-the-job training and career progression while contributing to the safety and reliability of our rail services. Our supportive culture and commitment to teamwork ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Train Planning Support
✨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 Western 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 Western Railway. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Train Planning Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at South Western 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 Western 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 Western 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 Western 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 Western 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 Western Railway.
