Area Operations Managers

FirstGroup Internal; Exeter; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major railway operator is seeking an Area Operations Manager in Exeter. The role involves leading train service operations, ensuring performance, and managing disruptions. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in railway operations and strong leadership skills. Flexibility for shifts and travel in the region is essential. This position offers a dynamic working environment with a focus on delivering excellent service.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in railway operations or similar environments.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.
• Proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• Good working knowledge of railway systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership at key locations.
• Monitor performance and implement improvement plans.
• Coordinate with teams for real-time performance.
• Manage service changes effectively.
• Support service recovery during disruptions.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Communication

Proactive mindset

Knowledge of railway systems

Flexibility

Job description

About the job?

As anArea Operations Manager, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of our daily train service. Working at the heart of our operations, you'll collaborate with Control and Performance Teams, Train Crew, Station Staff, Signallers, and other key stakeholders to deliver the daily plan.

Your main responsibilities will be?

• Visible and Proactive Leadership: Represent your region at key locations, providing clear direction and ensuring all stakeholders understand their operational responsibilities.
• Performance Management: Monitor service groups under your remit, identify emerging issues, and implement proactive plans to protect and enhance train service delivery.
• Collaborative Operations: Work closely with Control, Fleet, Stations, and Network Rail to deliver the best possible real-time performance.
• On-the-Day Coordination: Act as a key liaison between Controllers, Station Teams, Crew Managers, and Signallers to manage service changes and maintain operational flow.
• Disruption Management: Support service recovery during disruption, following agreed contingency plans and working with Swindon Control to resolve local stock and crew challenges.

You'll need to have:

• Proven experience in railway operations, service delivery, or a similar real-time, high-pressure environment.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to influence and coordinate across multiple teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to represent your region at key operational locations.
• A proactive and solution-focused mindset, with the ability to anticipate and manage disruption effectively.
• Good working knowledge of railway systems, including Control, Fleet, Stations, and Network Rail interfaces.
• Flexibility to work shifts and travel across the region as required.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• A determination to put the customer first in decision making.
• A confident and decisive approach under pressure.
• A good knowledge of the GWR Fleet & Train Crew arrangements
• An ability to collaborate cross functionally
• A working knowledge of performance metrics

Working Pattern:

This role involves working a rostered shift pattern that includes weekends and Bank Holiday coverage.

Additional information:

The role will be predominantly based at Exeter & Plymouth with the occasional requirement to attend other agreed locations.

For further information, please contact Steven Lawrence, Regional Network Delivery Manager Tel: [phone]

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