Who are we

First Rail London (FRL) is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The concession began in May 2026.

First Rail London is part of FirstGroup, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK.  FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.  FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

To lead a Shunters & Train drivers in ensuring operational safety. Carry out fitness and competence assessments of drivers and ensure that drivers are utilised in the most effective and economic manner possible so as to ensure the reliable operation of the train plan. Contribute to improving train performance and achieve customer satisfaction targets.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Manage the deployment of drivers to ensure the business needs are met in terms of efficient and economical operation.
• Carry out the provision of the disciplinary procedures, welfare arrangements and health and safety at work as delegated.
• Carry out competency assessments and monitoring of drivers and trainee drivers at the frequency and in the manner specified as set down in company procedures.
• Carry out and record fitness for duty checks of drivers and trainee drivers at the frequency and in the manner specified in company procedures.
• Carry out briefings of drivers and trainee drivers at the frequency laid down in company procedures using corporate and departmental briefing material and incorporating any local requirements identified by the Traincrew Managers.
• In accordance with company procedure requirements, make recommendations to the appropriate Traincrew Manager concerning any driver that may require additional monitoring due to identified sub-standard performance or other factor. Apply special monitoring plans in respect of such identified drivers.
• Implement the safety standards (developed by the Operations Standards Manager) at driver depots.
• Ensure six monthly safety checks are carried out to meet safety validation requirements.
• Ensure remedial actions from all audits are addressed and closed out.
• Ensure all operating incidents are reported and investigated.
• Ensure that all staff performing Safety Critical work are assessed and monitored

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Full train driver competence for a minimum of a five-year period.
• Good knowledge of traction/traincrew matters, including conditions of service, rostering practices, disciplinary procedures.
• Should be capable of improving levels of driver performance in terms of safety and discipline and to manage effectively staff inter-relationships within driver depots and between depot staff and other members of staff.
• Qualified in rules and regulations competence and knowledge of traction instructions.

About the location

Chingford Station

The Reward

• Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network - this alone is worth a potential total of £5,200 per annum
• 75% discount off season tickets and leisure travel on other Train Operating Companies
• Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service
• First Xclusives – a benefits portal offering a wide range of benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24hr helpline, covering a multitude of subjects

We all belong at First Rail London. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, 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/