Area Operations Manager

Govia Thameslink Railway; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final salary pension

Free travel for you and family on GTR

75% off travel on other TOCs

Discounted Oyster Card

Family-friendly policies

StarHub employee benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Govia Thameslink Railway is seeking an Area Operations Manager to oversee delivery of the Daily Train Plan across depots in the area, leading Driver Managers to meet safety, competence and customer service standards. You will be a visible, people-focused leader driving engagement and results.

Key responsibilities include improving train service performance, guiding depot managers on ER/TU matters, and developing a high-performing driver community to serve GTR's customers with professionalism and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a railway operating environment.
• Experience with safety management systems and compliance.
• Appreciation of relevant legislation and industry standards (DfT/ORR/Network Rail).

Responsibilities

• Drive performance by ensuring Driver Managers apply attendance procedures and related policies to address people issues.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and deliver improvements to train service performance.
• Provide guidance to depot managers on ER/TU matters to promote positive relations.
• Lead, motivate and develop Driver Managers to build an engaged driver community delivering for customers.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Safety management

Railway operations

Job description

Job Title - Area Operations Manager
Salary - Competitive along with great benefits
Location - Selhurst Train Crew Depot
Contract Type - Permanent
Closing date - Friday 28th August 2026

Get your career on track with a team where you can grow, belong, and make an impact from day one.

What You'll Do

The Area Operations Manager ( AOM ) role is responsible for ensuring the Daily Train Plan is delivered effectively and safely for the depots within their area by effectively leading and managing the Driver M anagers in line with GTR's specific standards in safety, competence, performance, and customer service expectations. The AOM is expected to be a highly visible people - focused leader driving improved employee engagement and positive results.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Drive team performance by ensuring that Driver Managers are effectively utilising the attendance procedure and other policies/procedures to effectively deal with all people issues including absence management, welfare, disciplines, grievances, and poor performance .
• Work with key stakeholders to proactively identify and deliver improvements to train service performance.
• Provide advice and guidance to depot managers on ER/TU issues to promote collaborative and positive relations
• Lead, motivate and develop Driver Managers in their area to create an engaged and committed driver community who deliver for GTR's customers.

What You'll Bring

• Appreciation of relevant legislation, industry standards and railway rules and regulations , including how the industry operates in relation to key stakeholders such as the DfT, ORR, Network Rail etc.
• Significant experience of working in a railway operating environment .
• Experience of safety management systems and compliance .

What We Can Offer You

At GTR, we are committed to supporting our colleagues both professionally and personally. In return for your skills and dedication, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on GTR and sister groups for you and your family
• 75% off travel on other train operating companies for you, and leisure for your family
• Discounted Oyster Card
• Family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
• Access to StarHub – our employee benefits platform offering discounts with a wide range of retailers and services
• Career development and progression opportunities across the UK's largest rail networks
• The opportunity to make a real difference to millions of customer journeys every year