Area Operations Manager

The Area Operations Managers are a key part of the Network Delivery Team. The Network Delivery Team along with Train Service Delivery are responsible for the operational presentation of service, train service recovery and the use of initiative-taking operations to maintain & improve real-time train service performance. The team communicates and works with multiple departments within the industry, so we meet our NRC commitments.

About the job?

The Area Operations Managers role focuses on the real-time operational delivery of our service at key locations across our network. As part of this role, you will collaborate closely with members of the Control team and Network Delivery Teams as well as local crew and station management, Signallers, and other stakeholders to ensure that GWR delivers the daily plan and where variances to the plan are required, they are appropriately planned and implemented.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Collaborative working with GWR/NR Control, Fleet Maintenance teams, stations and Network Rail Operations to deliver the best possible real-time train service performance.


• Proactively monitor issues with the potential to affect real-time train service delivery and implement suitable plans to protect performance.


• Effectively communicate with local maintenance depots to understand vehicle requirements and availability.


• Liaison between Controllers, Stations Teams, Crew Managers and Signallers to identify and implement on-the-day changes to the local train service plan in order to meet operational and industry requirements.


• Assist the Control Centre and local teams in the delivery of service recovery during disruption, following agreed contingencies and initiative-taking action on local matters of stock and crew resourcing., The role covers Early & Late shifts including weekends (12 hour shifts) and bank holidays. Although this role is based at Exeter SD you will be required to cover Plymouth AOM as required., 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 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 such as 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.


• Initiative-taking visible colleague, who is an excellent communicator across the business and industry.


• The ability to manage problems efficiently and communicate resolutions through appropriate channels.


• Flexible and adapt to incidents. Remaining calm and focused under pressure.


• Multitask responsibilities, prioritise workloads safely.


As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Area operations manager competency, or similar experience desirable.


• An exceptional knowledge of GWR services and routes.


• A firm understanding of railway operations, rules and regulations and rail industry standards.


• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and critical thinking skills.


• A good standard of verbal and written communication


• A can-do attitude


• Able to remain calm yet directive under pressure.
  
  GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With over one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 280 stations in the Southwest, 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 6,500 people from diverse backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel.

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including 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.