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- Tasks: Make real-time decisions to keep train services running smoothly and safely.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a diverse team committed to making travel better for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a final salary pension, and up to 37 days holiday!
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team where your unique perspective is valued and celebrated.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills and a good understanding of the rail industry are essential.
- Other info: Shift work required; training provided for those new to railway systems.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Route Controller: Real-Time Decisions. Real Impact. Join Our Control Centre Team
As a Route Controller, you’ll be at the center of the action, making real-time decisions that keep our train services running smoothly for both customers and colleagues. You’ll be the go-to person for operational communication, ensuring every move is safe, compliant, and customer-focused, while also keeping an eye on the financial impact of your choices.
When disruption hits, you’ll step up as a key player, working closely with our Resources team to bring services back on track quickly and effectively. Your ability to think fast and act smart will make a real difference to thousands of journeys every day.
Tech-savvy? Great. New to railway systems? No problem. Experience with tools like TRUST, Tyrell IO, Darwin, Web Gemini, Crews for Genius, and Berth Maps is a bonus but not a deal-breaker. We’ll give you all the training you need to succeed.
Required
Control posts operate 24 hours a day and involve shift work, therefore nights, shift and weekend working is required along with a positive can-do demeanour to sophisticated problem solving. You:
- Must be available for 06:00 starts and 22:00 finishes
- Must be available to work weekends
- Must live within 60 minutes commute of Birmingham New Street Station
To be successful in this role, you must be able to demonstrate:
- Good understanding of the rail industry and passenger train operations
- Experience in using IT systems to manage train operations
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
Please see the role profile for further information.
If successful, you’ll be placed in our Talent Pool and offered a position as vacancies arise. Candidates may remain in the pool for up to 12 months.
Benefits Include
- Final salary pension
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you, spouse/partner and dependents
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators
Be You. With Us.
At Avanti West Coast , we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced and everyone is supported to thrive.
We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better.
We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Route Controller (Manchester - North Wales, West Midlands - Liverpool) - Talent Pool employer: West Coast Partnership Development
Contact Detail:
West Coast Partnership Development Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Route Controller (Manchester - North Wales, West Midlands - Liverpool) - Talent Pool
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the rail industry and passenger train operations. Understanding the basics of how train services run will give you a solid foundation to build upon during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to make quick decisions under pressure, as this will be crucial for the Route Controller role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations, as this is key for operational communication.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any experience with IT systems related to train operations, make sure to highlight that. Even if you're new to the railway systems mentioned, demonstrating your tech-savviness can set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Route Controller (Manchester - North Wales, West Midlands - Liverpool) - Talent Pool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Route Controller position. Highlight your understanding of real-time decision-making and operational communication in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in the rail industry or similar fields. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and any IT systems you have used that relate to train operations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the rail industry. Mention your availability for shift work and your ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the position.
Highlight Your Soft Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or handled challenging situations in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Coast Partnership Development
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Route Controller does. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as making real-time decisions and ensuring operational communication. This will help you demonstrate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems under pressure. The role requires quick thinking, so be ready to discuss how you approach challenges and make decisions that impact operations.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain complex situations or decisions, so being concise and confident in your communication will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Tech Savviness
Even if you're new to railway systems, showing a willingness to learn and adapt to technology is essential. Mention any relevant IT experience you have and express your enthusiasm for training on tools like TRUST or Darwin.
