At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe train dispatch and deliver excellent customer service at Euston station.
- Company: Join London Northwestern Railway, a leader in customer-focused transport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free travel, pension, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the face of our service and make a real difference for passengers.
- Qualifications: Customer-focused, calm under pressure, and good communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27953 - 29230 £ per year.
Your role is key in delivering great customer service to our passengers. Based at Euston station, you will be responsible for the safe dispatch of trains from the platform, be the face of London Northwestern Railway in dealing with customer travel queries, provide station announcements and ensure the station is clean, tidy and safe. The role is shift based and will require you to work a mixture of earlies, lates and nights.
What does the job involve?
- Working shift patterns which will include weekends, with early starts and late finishes
- Safely dispatching trains from the station platform – following strict safety guidelines
- Using the customer information system to announce train arrivals and departures
- Keeping a record of delays, train re-platforming and other events that could affect the train running plan
- Handling difficult situations in a calm, customer focussed manner
- Conducting security checks along with health and safety checks
- Providing assistance to passengers with disabilities – where required
What skills and experience do I need to do the job?
- Customer focussed – being presentable, approachable and proactive
- Comfortable managing conflict - remaining calm in difficult situations
- Great communication skills – able to flex your style to the audience
- Having flexibility – both with your hours of work and approach to work
- Stay calm under pressure – able to handle conflict
- Be able to make decisions - based on the situation at the time
- Have good IT skills, along with a good level of maths and English
- Live within a reasonable commute of the station you have applied for – early starts and lates finishes will mean you need to be able to get to work, possibly before/after public transport is running
- For safety reasons, you need to be aged 18 or older
To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.
What is the salary and benefits that come with the job role?
- Salary is £27,953 rising to 29,230 upon successful completion of probation
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.
Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.
What to Expect next
If you are successful at application stage you may be invited to a short video interview. You will then be invited to complete some online psychometric tests. Once passed, you will be invited to meet the team at Euston for a face to face interview.
Platform Assistant / Train Dispatcher in London employer: WM Trains
London Northwestern Railway is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Euston station where you can make a real impact on customer service. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including free travel for you and your family, and a strong commitment to employee development, we foster a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages growth. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises safety, customer satisfaction, and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Assistant / Train Dispatcher in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research London Northwestern Railway and understand their values and customer service approach. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with passengers and handling queries, it’s crucial to be clear and approachable. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence in managing difficult situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready for anything! The role involves shift work, so make sure you’re prepared to adapt your schedule. Highlight your flexibility in interviews to show that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on the closing date, as positions can fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Platform Assistant / Train Dispatcher in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us how you can bring your unique flair to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills match what we're looking for. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand the role and are ready to take it on!
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about delivering great customer service, share examples of how you've handled customer queries or difficult situations in the past. We love hearing about your experiences!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We get a lot of interest, and the advert might close sooner than expected. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Platform Assistant/Train Dispatcher. Familiarise yourself with safety guidelines, customer service expectations, and the importance of effective communication. 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 delivering great customer service, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled customer queries or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and how you adapt your communication style to different audiences.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Questions
Expect questions about your flexibility with shift patterns, including early starts and late finishes. Be honest about your availability and demonstrate your understanding of the commitment required for this role. If you have experience working shifts, share how you managed your time effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might be asked to handle hypothetical situations during the interview. Think about how you would approach difficult scenarios, such as dealing with an upset passenger or managing a train delay. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills clearly.
