Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to improve quality of life, by bringing people together to get the most out of life.

SWR 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 the line manager for the Traincrew Roster Clerk team (also known as the Central Resources Office), the role will see you manage and lead your team to ensure traincrew rosters are delivered in a timely and accurate manner, accounting for business needs. This feeds into the Resources function goal of ensuring a driver and guard is rostered to every SWR service.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Responsible for the provision of efficient base, weekly and daily rosters to traincrew
• Advise on strategic future development of rostering and traincrew utilisation
• Ensure accurate daily and periodic data on traincrew utilisation is available for analysis
• Support and advise the Driver and On Train Service functions on matters relating to rostering
• Oversee the planning and release of traincrew for training and route learning programmes
• Design and deliver reports that drive and inform the businesses strategic position

Employee engagement and the development of talent within the team is essential to the success of the roster department. Business efficiencies and the streamlining of process will be an ongoing requirement of this role

You will ensure the Central Resources Office establish and maintain excellent working relationships with key stakeholders including Driver and On-Train Management, traincrew, Centre Managers, Senior Resource Managers, Duty Resource Managers, and other key stakeholders.

The role requires the individual to work with key stakeholders to continually plan and shape future resourcing strategies to achieve the most efficient and effective utilisation of traincrew including during special events and planned engineering works.

Collaboration and cross-functional working are an essential part of the role. The post holder will be expected to work closely with the Driver, On-Train and Train Planning functions amongst other to ensure effective delivery and planning of rostering across the business.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Good people management skill and leadership qualities
• Proven track record in the understanding and delivery of rostering
• Knowledge of traincrew terms and conditions
• Experience working with trade unions
• Knowledge of SWR HR policies and procedures
• Excellent communication skills and a process-driven approach

Desirable

• IT proficient the following software: Crewplan, Voyagerplan, Excel, TRUST, Bugle
• Experience carrying out presentations
• Base roster construction and negotiation
• Knowledge of SWR network and rolling stock

About the location:

London Waterloo train station, situated in the heart of the UK's capital, opened in 1848 and is currently Britain's largest and busiest station. Within walking distance of Waterloo is the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, BFI IMAX, the South Bank and The Old Vic theatre, as well as great connections to all London attractions. It is easily accessible by public transport and is home to a large mix of national brands and restaurants.

Working pattern:

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days

Monday – Friday, office Hours

The Reward:

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employee
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependant)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Large range of exclusive retail offers
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. 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/