General Manager (Operational Readiness)

Job Introduction

We are seeking a General Manager (Operational Readiness) to join our Train Services Team based from our Head Office in London Bridge (hybrid working).

This role is principally to ensure alignment of various programmes/projects enabling the Operations & Safety directorate and wider business to act early to ensure operational readiness.

You will lead on minimising disruption, effectively embedding and introducing change, and optimising operations to ensure the benefits from multiple change programmes are realised. 

Additionally, you will lead on all aspects of the business planning process for the Operations & Safety team, including quarterly forecast process and annual business plan, working with other departments as appropriate.

Please see attached job description for more information about the role.

The Ideal Candidate

To be considered for this role we recommend you demonstrate the below in your application;

• Proven track record of line management experience to a senior level in operations management, preferably within the rail industry.
• Good knowledge of the contractual arrangements affecting train service performance.
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to set direction and inspire commitment to achieve common goals.
• Ability to influence and gain commitment to deliver the desired result, through the use of a range of interpersonal skills, focussing on persuasion, negotiation and selling.
• Good team player with ability to develop productive and motivated teams.
• Ability to translate strategy and goals into practical working plans, modifying plans quickly in the light of changing business priorities.
• Customer Focussed with ability to act upon customer feedback to grow the business.
• Results driven
• Ability to network across the industry to learn from others and develop and implement good practice from elsewhere

Package Description

Southeastern recognises the value of every individual employee and offers benefits that reflect this.

As well as a generous salary, we offer an comprehensive benefits package which includes;

• A Contributory Final Salary Pension Scheme 
• Free rail travel on Southeastern and GTR rail services (extends to family members for leisure/educational travel)
• After a qualifying period, reduced rate travel on other train operators, including European services
• Up to 25 days annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays)
• Private healthcare
• Access to an array of discounts for retail and leisure products through our benefits scheme.
• Family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity/paternity leave, parental leave and carers leave.

About the Company

About Southeastern

Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating almost 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 400,000 passengers, serving 176 stations and covering 540 miles of track.

Just over 4,600 employees - mostly from the communities that we serve - work together to provide this vital service and we are looking to expand our successful team. We have a strong set of values that shape the way we run our business and guide our staff in delivering what our customers need. These are:

• We aim to be the best
• We make the difference together
• We care passionately about our people and our passengers

We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a workplace where everyone can come to work, feel safe and comfortable and able to do everything to the best of their ability. Read about some of the great Diversity and Inclusion initiatives our Head of Colleague Experience has been leading on here. 

We recognise the positive value of diversity and it matters to us that our teams reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, you can view our policies and initiatives here.

We have also won the Top Employer award at the Women in Rail Awards 2022!

If you have been unsuccessful in the recruitment process for the same/similar position you will not be eligible to apply for a period of 6 months from that date.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years and any previous railway employment). We will also complete right to work in the UK and criminal record checks. This is to ensure we are employing the best person for the role and to protect our customers, colleagues and our reputation. We are unable to offer sponsorship to work in the UK. 

This post will close before the intended closing date should sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for this role, we suggest that you do so at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.

SOUTHEASTERN is owned by SE Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Department for Transport’s public sector owning group, ‘DOHL.’ DOHL has responsibility for three rail companies, LNER, Northern Trains Limited and SE Trains.

SE Trains Limited