Fleet Commercial Leadership Apprentice

South Western News UK; City Of London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company in London seeks an apprentice to support contract administration. Responsibilities include reviewing contract documentation, providing commercial support, and ensuring compliance. Suitable for graduates with a Legal or Engineering background. The role offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including travel discounts.

Benefits

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services

75% discount on many train companies

Full training and support with development

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Suitable for recent graduates from a Legal or Engineering background.
• Ability to review large legal documents critically.
• Natural affinity towards building relationships.

Responsibilities

• Review contract documentation, reading and writing with appropriate language.
• Provide commercial support in meetings and produce contract review packs.
• Ensure contracts comply to maximize operational performance.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE grade 4 or above in English and maths

Job description

Overview

For this apprenticeship, you will need to be 18+ years on the 1st September 2026.

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

To administer maintenance services contracts, providing commercial support to the depots and engineering teams, and for supporting all other aspects of work with the Commercial team. This role will work with various internal and external stakeholders which includes the supply chain, manufacturers and leasing companies.

Suitable for recent graduates from a Legal or Engineering background or for undergraduates aspiring to work in the sector.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Responsible for review of contract documentation, which includes reading, writing, and amending using appropriate legal and technical language
• Work in a matrix environment, providing commercial support to the depots and engineering teams through engagement in meetings, producing contract review packs, minutes, and dashboards.
• Ensure contracts are administered in compliance to ensure the safety of the company's passenger services and of its staff, to maximize the performance of the operational fleet and to protect the company financial business position.
• Undertake costing of work packages, negotiate and prepare for approval and signature, variations to the contracts.

You'll need to be:

• GCSE grade 4 or above in English and maths.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both verbally and written).
• Ability and a natural affinity towards building and maintaining relationships with a variety of people.
• High attention to detail, particularly required in reviewing large legal documents.

About the location

Wimbledon Traincare Depot is a short walk from Wimbledon Park station and recently welcomed its first Class 701 train, marking a significant milestone in the £1bn transformation of suburban travel. Our current fleet operating on the suburban network (Class 455 and 458 trains) will be replaced over a 2 year period with 90 brand new 701's. Drivers, maintenance and other depot colleagues are currently in training to develop the new skills needed for the next generation of trains that will be fitted with all new modern technology. Wimbledon depot will eventually become the new maintenance home for the entire Class 701 fleet.

Working pattern

You will be working an average of 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all 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.

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.

Links: https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

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