Rail Operator 2 (GPR)

FirstGroup Internal; Greater London, Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading rail operator dedicated to connecting communities and enhancing mobility. As a Rail Operator, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient dispatch of trains while providing exceptional customer service. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for overtime and personal development. Enjoy valuable benefits like free travel and a comprehensive training program. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Free duty and leisure travel

75% discount on other train services

Full training and support

Exclusive retail offers

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified to operate a motorised vehicle and have access to your own vehicle.
• Able to handle repetitive tasks under pressure while providing excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Safely dispatch trains and assist customers with boarding and alighting.
• Provide updates to customers and maintain station standards.

Skills

Effective Communication

Organizational Skills

Proactive Approach

Customer Service

Ability to Handle Pressure

Education

Driving License

Job description

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, the southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to improve quality of life by bringing people together to get the most out of life.

The Reward

Opportunities to work on rest days or to do overtime could increase your annual earnings. Some Rail Operators earn up to £30,000 per annum plus regional allowance.

On top of your salary, we offer 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
• Large range of exclusive retail offers
• Excellent pension scheme

About the job

As a Rail Operator GPR (General Purpose Relief) at South Western Railway, you will be at the heart of ensuring trains are safely and efficiently dispatched and stations are presented to the highest standards. You will provide the most up-to-date travel information for our customers and assist them in reaching their destinations safely and on time.

As a Rail Operator 2 GPR, you will cover a variety of shifts at different stations and will need your own mode of motorised transport to get to/from work.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Safely dispatching trains from the platform, ensuring all customers are clear of the train whilst observing the correct signal. Normal colour vision is required for this position.
• Offering passenger assistance, including support with luggage and helping customers board and alight trains with ramps.
• Keeping customers updated about their journeys through announcements and face-to-face interactions, bringing your personality to create a personal experience.
• Being flexible and proactive in your approach, responsible for station standards, safety checks, cleaning, rubbish clearance, and assisting customers — being the face of SWR and making a positive impact.

*For a full list of responsibilities, please download the detailed job description available at the bottom of this advert.

You'll need to be:

• Qualified to operate a motorised vehicle and have access to your own vehicle for commuting.
• Organised, proactive, and able to prioritise tasks efficiently.
• Able to handle repetitive tasks under pressure.
• An effective communicator who enjoys working with people.
• Confident in approaching and talking to new people.
• Passionate about doing the right thing — nothing is too much trouble.
• This role is safety-critical, and you will be required to pass medical, vision, and hearing tests.

Applicants requiring a visa must have at least 6 months remaining at the time of appointment. Full-time training is provided, and commitment is required.

Working pattern

Our services run every day except Christmas, and you will need to work shifts at all times of the day and week, including early, late, and night shifts as part of a roster. You will work an average of 37 hours per week with additional hours on Sundays.

About SWR and our values

SWR is part of FirstGroup, the UK's largest rail operator and second-largest bus operator outside London. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and providing inclusive, diverse, and flexible working environments. We value differences and promote equal opportunities for all candidates. For additional support during your application, especially if you have a disability or neurodivergent condition, please refer to the links provided below.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

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

For the full job description, please download the PDF.