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

Undertake all aspects of long term and short term train planning, unit diagramming and traincrew diagramming as demanded by the overall workload plan of the train planning department.
Undertake train planning projects as required, including planning for SLC changes, performance led timetable changes and unit and traincrew diagramming feasibility studies.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Responsible for delivering the STP and LTP timetable, rolling stock and train crew diagrams
• Liaise with NR and other operators in preparation of timetable bids in line with the requirements of the Network Code and to meet business objectives (including commercial, operational and performance criteria)
• Validate train plans for compliance with key rules, including ensuring compliance with SLCs, TPR compliance
• Undertake validation of offers received for both LTP and STP as required and maintain industry timescales for availability of amended timetable information in downstream systems at T­12
• Produce robust rolling stock diagrams for each LTP and STP period to meet specification and fleet maintenance and stabling requirements, including giving adequate notice of changes
• Prepare train plans, rolling stock and traincrew diagrams that are robust & deliver a train service that will meet the Concession performance targets and issue these in a timely manner
• Liaise with Customer Experience to ensure diagrams meet Manpower and Budget plans and to ensure that plans are deliverable within available resources
• Generate value for the Concession by undertaking timetable and diagramming feasibility studies as required to meet future SLC requirements, drive cost or operational improvements, preparing reports and making recommendations based on your findings
• Undertake timetable performance studies to systematically analyse sub threshold delays and use this to prioritise potential deficiencies in TPRs and SRTs or other aspects of the train plan for further investigation and change
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing improvements to planning and diagramming processes and systems

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Excellent IT literacy
• Experience of achieving deadlines and maintaining excellent attention to detail
• Track record of building effective working relationships with peers, internal customers and suppliers
• Ability to undertake project work and report on your findings
• Proven success in redesigning business processes to implement faster and smarter ways of working
• Knowledge of the London Overground routes and train service plans
• Basic understanding of railway operating principles
• Good understanding of the Timetable Planning Rules, Engineering Access Statement & the DPPP/CPPP process
• Knowledge of traincrew terms and conditions and other agreements
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience)

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/