Retail Service Managers- Reading

Arriva Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 30 days rising to 35

Pension Scheme

Free travel on Arriva Rail services

75% off travel on other UK rail

Discounted European rail travel after

Job summary

CrossCountry in Reading is seeking a Retail Service Manager to be the face of our onboard catering, delivering a warm welcome and high-quality service on every journey. You will operate a Trolley Service or the On Board Shop, serving Standard Class passengers and, when applicable, First Class, to ensure journeys are comfortable and enjoyable.

This permanent, full-time role offers comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and benefits including travel discounts and pension.

Qualifications

• Excellent people skills – confident, approachable, and great at connecting with customers.
• Customer service driven – Maintains a strong focus on customer satisfaction by delivering efficient, and proactive service at all times.
• Strong work ethic – reliable, consistent, and committed to high standards.
• Team player – work seamlessly with onboard crew and local colleagues.
• Flexible – able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Well-presented – professional appearance that reflects our brand.
• Personality – authentic, energetic individuals, not robots!

Responsibilities

• Be the face of CrossCountry onboard trains – delivering a warm welcome and high-quality catering service.
• Provide a Trolley Service or operate the On Board Shop.
• Ensure passengers travel in comfort and style across journeys.
• Serve refreshments in Standard Class and First Class when applicable.

Skills

Excellent people skills

Customer service driven

Team player

Flexible

Well-presented

Excellent communication

Job description

Retail Service Managers – Reading (On Board Catering Crew)

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment? If so, CrossCountry is looking for enthusiastic Retail Service Managers to join our dynamic team based in Reading.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Retail Service Manager, you will be the face of CrossCountry onboard our trains – providing a warm welcome, delivering a high-quality catering service through the train either with a Trolley Service or from the On Board Shop, making every journey a positive experience for our customers.

From serving refreshments in Standard Class to offering complimentary service in First Class, you will play a key role in ensuring passengers travel in comfort and style.

What’s in it for you?

• Starting salary: £26,888 pa during training, rising to £34,061 after successful training (based on a 38-hour week)
• Permanent, full-time position with great career prospects
• Comprehensive training and continuous support (Your initial 4-week training course will take place at our Customer Service Training Centre in Derby, where you will be trained on all aspects of the role).
• Opportunities to grow within a national transport brand.

What We Are Looking For

We are not just hiring for a role — we’re hiring the right people. Here’s what success looks like:

• Excellent people skills – confident, approachable, and great at connecting with customers.
• Customer service driven – Maintains a strong focus on customer satisfaction by delivering efficient, and proactive service at all times.
• Strong work ethic – reliable, consistent, and committed to high standards.
• Team player – work seamlessly with onboard crew and local colleagues.
• Flexible – able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Well-presented – professional appearance that reflects our brand.
• Personality – we want authentic, energetic individuals, not robots!

Location Requirement

You must live within 1 hour’s commute of Reading and be able to travel at unsocial hours reliably.

Why Join CrossCountry?

At CrossCountry, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We value the unique perspectives that everyone brings and believe this drives our success.

In Return Our Benefits Include

• Holiday allowance of 30 days, rising by one day a year up to a maximum 35 days.
• Entry into the Pension Scheme
• Free travel on Arriva Rail services (CrossCountry, Chiltern, London Overground and Grand Central)
• 75% off travel on other UK rail companies
• Discounted European rail travel after one year.

Application Deadline: Sunday 20th September 2026.

Please note, successful applicants will be required to attend a medical and have a DBS check.

Join us and be part of something bigger – making journeys better, one customer at a time.