Qualified Customer Driver – Future Opportunities Talent Pool

Please note: This is a talent pool opportunity. While there is not currently an immediate vacancy, we are building a pipeline of qualified Customer Drivers for future opportunities at Lumo. Candidates who are successful through the recruitment process may be placed into our talent pool and contacted when suitable positions become available.

Who are we?

Lumo, is an Open Access train company who provide regular, cost-effective, 100% electric train travel between London and Edinburgh as an alternative to flying that is great value, kinder to the environment and just as time effective as taking a domestic flight. 

Our people are key to our success, and we are recruiting an engaged, empowered, multi-skilled and flexible family of colleagues who live and breathe our values of:

• Being proud & passionate people
• Sustainability at our heart
• Staying safe & healthy
• Always learning and improving
• Inclusive one team culture

Lumo is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London. 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

As part of our ongoing growth plans, we are creating a talent pool of qualified Customer Drivers based in Newcastle. By joining our talent pool, you will be considered for future vacancies as they arise. We cannot guarantee immediate appointment, but successful candidates will be kept under consideration for upcoming opportunities.

Our commitment is that we will provide great value services, direct to city centres, whilst also building relationships with local communities along the route.  As a Customer Driver, you will drive the train in a safe and efficient manner whilst conducting yourself in a way which is consistent with the professional and customer focused objectives of the company. 

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Prepare, drive and dispose of traction units safely, using the prescribed techniques as set out in the appropriate instructions.
• Remain on duty during the hours specified. When train services are disrupted, or through other reasons delayed and booked duties cannot be adhered to, the role holder must ensure that the appropriate managers are informed and respond accordingly.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and other railway interfaces to ensure the safe and smooth running of the train service.
• Report any irregularities in line with the Rule Book. Be the ‘eyes and ears' of the company while carrying out duties.
• Ensure optimal customer care throughout the journey by providing timely, informative announcements and inputting the necessary codes into any automatic Customer Information equipment.
• Maintain the cab environment, and any other areas worked in, in a clean and tidy condition.
• Overall - To undertake activities as directed by the line manager to maximise every opportunity to delight our customers.

About you:

You will have excellent concentration and observation skills, with a safety conscious approach to work with a proven safety record, whilst maintaining a focus on the customer.  You will act as an ambassador of Lumo, to promote our image and deliver a great customer experience at all times. Although there are no formal educational requirements for this role, you must be:

• You must hold a European Train Driving Licence
• Flexible in the hours you are available to work. The role of Customer Driver will also require some stay away from home

About the location

You must be located within a 60-minute commute of Newcastle upon Tyne, our offices are located behind Newcastle Central Station.

The Reward

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme – We will pay in a minimum of 10% (5% employee contribution and 5% employer contribution) to a maximum total contribution of 20%.
• Incentive Scheme/Bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel Offers – Free travel on Lumo services and travel offers for bus and rail tickets and Day Rover Rail tickets at a discounted price for friends and family (after 6 months of service).
• Shopping & Lifestyle Discounts
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Health benefit scheme
• Employee Share Plans (Save as you Earn and Buy as you Earn)
• NEXUS – Tyne and Wear Metro Discount
• Life Assurance Cover 4 x your annual salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Access to a digital GP 24/7
• Tax Benefit Bike Scheme

Talent Pool Information

Successful applicants may be retained within our talent pool for up to 6 months and contacted should a suitable vacancy arise during that period.

We all belong at Lumo. 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/