Fleet Operations Controller - 24/7 Rail Service Optimizer

FirstGroup; Swindon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-going development

Defined benefit pension scheme

Free rail travel for you and family

Company-sponsored health care plan

Discounted shopping and gym membership

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

GWR in Swindon is seeking a Fleet Operations Controller to ensure trains are in the right place at the right time, with the right capacity and traction. You will proactively manage fleet return to depots for maintenance, while prioritising customer needs in a fast-moving environment.

The role requires flexibility to work 24/7, including nights and weekends, and occasional travel across the GWR network. A collaborative approach and strong decision-making are essential to keep services reliable.

Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate with a range of colleagues and stakeholders to find effective solutions.
• Able to make timely, informed decisions, especially during disruption periods.
• Consider both immediate and longer-term impacts of decisions.
• Enjoy solving problems and anticipate challenges before they arise.
• Keep customer experience at the heart of decision-making.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Take ownership of delivering outcomes and seek practical solutions.
• Committed to working safely and escalating when needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage the allocation of GWR's fleet across services to deliver capacity and facilities for customers.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to maximise fleet availability and support the daily train plan.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Hitachi to ensure fleet availability for maintenance plans.
• Balance fleet requirements by understanding depot capacity and resolving issues.
• Keep safety at the heart of decisions and escalate when appropriate.
• Provide clear, accurate updates on fleet position to colleagues and the wider business.
• Respond to changing circumstances and minimise disruption impact for customers and staff.

Skills

Collaboration

Decision making

Customer focus

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Ownership

Safety

Job description

GWR in Swindon is seeking a Fleet Operations Controller to ensure trains are in the right place at the right time, with the right capacity and traction. You will proactively manage fleet return to depots for maintenance, while prioritising customer needs in a fast-moving environment.

The role requires flexibility to work 24/7, including nights and weekends, and occasional travel across the GWR network. A collaborative approach and strong decision-making are essential to keep services reliable.