Driver Depot Manager - Exeter

FirstGroup Internal; Exeter; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company based in Exeter is seeking a Driver Depot Manager to oversee a team and ensure effective driver standards management. The role requires strong leadership capabilities and experience in KPI management and safety protocols. The ideal candidate will have a history of working with trade unions and a positive approach to driving change. This is a full-time position offering a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to influence depot strategy.

Qualifications

• Experience managing KPIs effectively.
• Strong line management experience, preferably with managers.
• Evidence of delivering successful training plans.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for driver standards managers and over 200 drivers.
• Manage depot KPIs effectively to meet targets.
• Ownership of local trade union relationships.

Skills

Leadership experience

KPI management

Training plan delivery

Trade union engagement

Safety culture guidance

Understanding of railway operations

Job description

About the Team

Our Exeter depot is a fast-paced, busy, and dynamic environment—an exciting place to work where no two days are the same.

We are looking for a committed, passionate person to join the West Drivers senior leadership team.

As a Driver Depot Manager, you would be accountable for ensuring Driver Standards Managers provide competent, safe drivers who deliver the planned train service.

You would ensure the adequate provision of resources, provide leadership, drive change and implement new strategies.

You would be working closely with the Regional Driver Manager and other Driver Depot Managers in the region, while leading a team of Driver Standards Managers.

While contributing to depot strategy and engaging with key stakeholders, you would deliver a safe, punctual, and engaged Driver team.

What you'll be doing

• Responsible for 12 Driver Standards Managers and over 200 Drivers at Exeter St. Davids
• Ensuring that depot KPIs are managed effectively, to deliver results.
• Responsibility for depot training plans that will deliver the needs of the business.
• Ownership of local trade union representative relationships.
• Driving engagement amongst the depots.
• Acting as figurehead for the depot, for other departments and stakeholders.

Who we're looking for

Are you a proven leader with experience of driving change and continuous improvement?

Are you a clear communicator and an effective builder of relationships?

Do you have a proven record of delivering results and projects, while engaging with colleagues across multiple levels in the business?

Can you demonstrate resilience and a positive, solution orientated outlook?

If so, this may be an excellent opportunity for you!

As a minimum you'll need to have

• Experience of successfully managing a number of KPIs.
• Strong line management experience, preferably of a team of managers.
• Evidence of delivering training plans.
• A history of working with Trade Unions.
• Experience of guiding and driving a safety culture
• Good understanding/experience of railway operations and safety standards

About the location

You'll be based at Exeter St Davids traincrew depot, which is situated in Exeter.

From time to time, you will be required to attend meetings across the West region and potentially across the GWR network.

Working Pattern

You will be contracted to work a minimum of 37 hours per week. The normal working pattern for this role is office hours, however flexibility is required for our operation meaning “out of hours” work is not uncommon.

The role includes responsibility for out of hours depot visits, with an on-call requirement, covering a 7-day period.

For further information

Please contact Richard Cole, Regional Driver Manager; [e-mail]

In case of technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail]

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/