Who are we?

GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world.  We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services.   With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 stations in the South West, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK's top tourist destinations. 

We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers.  Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.

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.

The Reward

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including on-going development, defined benefit pension scheme, free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, company-sponsored health care plan, discounted shopping and gym membership and an employee assistance programme.

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/