On-Board Host – Rail Catering & Sales

On-Board Host – Rail Catering & Sales

Full-Time 28400 - 38400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
SSP UK & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service on TPE trains and manage stock effectively.
  • Company: Join Rail Gourmet, a leading provider in rail catering and onboard services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free travel, discounts, and access to training and development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive culture for diverse backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact on passenger experiences.
  • Qualifications: Customer-facing experience in retail, leisure, or hospitality is preferred.

The predicted salary is between 28400 - 38400 £ per year.

On-Board Host for TransPennine Express (TPE) at York Station

Pay Rate: £13.65 per hour plus commission

Hours: Full Time (39 hours)

Shifts: Rotational shifts between 6am and 8pm, including some weekends

Applicants must be 18 years of age or over to perform certain tasks or work on certain shifts. Adaptability to work in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment, including long hours and varying shifts.

We are a premier provider of catering and onboard services to the British Railway Industry. With over 40 service centres nationwide and a workforce of over 1000 employees in the UK, we are committed to delivering a First‑Class service consistently.

Ideally you will have at least 2 years of working experience in a customer‑facing role within the retail, leisure or hospitality industry. Full training will be provided.

As An On Board Host You’ll:

  • Provide ‘at seat trolley service’ on TPE trains, ensuring outstanding customer service, managing stock, and handling transactions.
  • Travel on assigned trains, assist passengers, achieve sales targets independently, and meet contractual goals.
  • Accurately account for stock and transactions, adhere to hygiene and safety standards, and support management initiatives.

WHY JOIN AS ON BOARD HOST?

  • Travel and Leisure Pass: free travel on all TPE trains when off duty; access to TPE Rover tickets across the entire TPE network for friends & family for £10 per day.
  • Commission: hosts can earn up to 2.5% of net sales.
  • Employee discounts: up to 50% discount across UK airports & railway stations at various SSP brands and franchises such as M&S, Burger King, Starbucks, Upper Crust, etc. Up to 75% discount off SSP brands during work hours.
  • Friends & Family App: 20% discount across our catering, Whistlestop and Urban Express units (T&C apply).
  • Learn while you earn: access to award-winning training, apprenticeships and development.
  • Internal growth opportunities: build your career with us. 70% of our managers are internally promoted.
  • Employee rewards: access shopping discounts, financial aid, wellbeing resources, GP appointments, 24/7 helpline for you and your loved ones.
  • Health and wellbeing support: flexible working, family‑friendly leave.
  • Culture: we value diverse backgrounds, offering support networks for LGBTQ+, Women’s Network, Neurodiversity, Disability and more.
  • Financial support: UK pension plans, life assurance, share incentives scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, competitive pay rates, advance earned pay and up to £5000 loans repaid through salary.
  • Holiday allowance: 28 days holiday pro rata, inclusive of bank holidays.
  • Rewards & recognition: RG Stars, Extra Mile vouchers, shopping discounts and more.

Feel like you could belong at Rail Gourmet? Apply now and embark on the best part of your journey as On Board Host.

Please note that if your application is successful, you will be required to complete a DBS check. Rail Gourmet is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer who seeks to recruit and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, skills and perspectives.

On-Board Host – Rail Catering & Sales employer: SSP UK & Ireland

Rail Gourmet is an exceptional employer, offering dynamic career opportunities as an On-Board Host at York Station. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training, internal promotion pathways, and a range of benefits including free travel on TPE trains, generous discounts, and health and wellbeing support. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and fosters a supportive environment, making it a rewarding place to build your career in the rail catering industry.

SSP UK & Ireland

Contact Details:

SSP UK & Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land On-Board Host – Rail Catering & Sales

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research TransPennine Express and Rail Gourmet. Understanding their values and services will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Practice your customer service skills! As an On-Board Host, you'll be interacting with passengers all day. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable handling different situations and showcasing your ability to provide outstanding service.

Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!

We think you need these skills to ace On-Board Host – Rail Catering & Sales

Customer Service
Sales Skills
Stock Management
Transaction Handling
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Hygiene Standards Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since we're all about delivering a First-Class service, make sure to highlight your experience in customer-facing roles. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past!

Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we're looking for. Use keywords from the description to show us you're the perfect fit for the On-Board Host role.

Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. A bit of enthusiasm can go a long way in showing us you’re excited about joining our team.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and easily, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can start the process of getting you on board!

How to prepare for a job interview at SSP UK & Ireland

Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you understand what being an On-Board Host entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like providing at-seat trolley service and managing stock. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

Since this role is all about outstanding customer service, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you excelled in a customer-facing position. Be ready to discuss how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for a customer.

Demonstrate Adaptability

The job requires working in a fast-paced environment with varying shifts. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted to changes in previous roles. Share stories that highlight your flexibility and ability to thrive under pressure.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or growth opportunities within the company. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.