Station Controller

Job Introduction

Warmth. Personality. A sense of humour. You’ve got them all, plus a voice that sounds great over a PA.

You might be used to entertaining the crowds at a sports stadium or maybe you’ve taken the mic for major public events. Now it’s time to bring your talents to a very different kind of venue.

We’re looking for people like you to take a fresh, engaging approach to station announcements. It’s your chance to brighten people’s days and puts smiles on faces – while providing the accurate, up-to-date information our customers want on the platform.

The duties do go beyond making announcements. For example, you’ll be updating departure board information, coordinating the day to day operation of the station and monitoring train service punctuality too. But we can train you in all of the operational and safety aspects of the job – it’s your character and personality that really interest us.

Role Responsibility

• Operation of the various computer-based customer information systems
• Provide full and timely information on the current train running and departures.
• Ensure announcements made via recorded announcement system and manually provide both routine train departure information and customer information at times of disruption or incident.
• Record train arrivals and communicate with our control centre (KICC).
• Liaise as necessary with colleagues to ensure the smooth operation of the train services into and out of the station.
• Organise special stops as necessary as per the Stop Plan, in conjunction with the Station Manager, Platform Staff and KICC.
• Liaise with all other termini Stations due to incident or late running of services.
• Pass on information to colleagues as necessary regarding problems, incidents, late running or cancellations to KICC, the Station Manager, Ticket Office, Platform Staff and all other termini announcers throughout the Southeastern/ Southern Network e.g. other train operating companies.
• Where applicable, update computer systems as necessary for weekend engineering work and timetable alterations.
• Liaise with commercial support regarding new or amended timetable changes.
• Report any Customer Information faults to the appropriate maintenance engineers via Network Rail and maintain a record.
• Be fully conversant with the operation of the fire panel within the Control Point passing on any relevant information to the Network Rail Station/Duty Manager.
• To produce a clear and concise shift log.
• Coordinate assistance provided to disabled customers.
• The accurate and detailed recording of train performance data..  

The Ideal Candidate

You must be able to demonstrate the following in your application:

• Leadership/Coordinating experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Decision making skills
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of IT systems, including Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel databases, and CIS software.
• Excellent knowledge of Southeastern railway geography
• Experience of train movement (desirable)

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
• 32 days annual leave entitlement (which includes bank holidays)
• 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.
• Full training and free uniform

About the Company

Southeastern is one of the busiest commuter rail companies in the UK running more than 2,000 trains, and carrying nearly 600,000 passengers every day between London, Kent and East Sussex.

Just over 4,000 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

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.

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.

SE Trains Limited