Train Crew Development Specialist

Why LNER?

We go beyond. For everyone. Our vision is to be the most loved, progressive and responsible way to travel for generations to come. Now we're looking for the people who can deliver this, every day.

Since we took over on the East Coast mainline, we've been changing the face of rail travel. Our new Azuma train has brought faster journey times, more space and greater reliability. Our exciting plans to embrace new ideas, experiences, backgrounds and ambitions make this the ideal time to join.

Bringing passion. Being bold. Always caring. Owning it. They're the values that make us LNER.

Are you on board?

The Operational Planning team sits at the very heart of the LNER business, making timetable, traincrew and fleet diagramming plans which are aimed at achieving our highly ambitious business plan to increase the performance, safety & customer experience of the East Coast mainline and deliver long term growth.

As part of this small, focused team, the Traincrew Development Specialist is responsible for producing optimal Traincrew resource solutions to enable the delivery of the twice-yearly main timetable changes (currently in May and December each year) ensuring compliance with company Conditions of Service. You'll need to balance marketing & commercial aspirations with the logistical constraints of contracts, conditions, rules and resources.

Your expert approach will guide the rest of the business in ensuring we have efficient and robust Traincrew diagrams for our drivers, train managers and on-board crew that will enhance our capability to demonstrate what good practice looks like in delivery a safe experience, On Time performance and an excellent customer experience.

You'll need to…

• Proactively develop and implement efficient plans under the strategic direction of the Advanced Planning Manager for all Traincrew diagrams for the main timetable changes every year.
• Using intelligent Traincrew planning software, deliver efficient, robust and economic allocation of Traincrew workload across the business.
• Support line management in the effective and timely consultation with employee representatives to obtain endorsement of Traincrew resource plans for the main timetable changes.
• Produce calculations to provide advice and recommendations to line managers to enable them to decide the correct Traincrew depot establishment levels.
• Manage your own space on the Operational Planning teams page on Connect, updating with relevant Traincrew diagram information for the main timetables.
• Investigate any performance incident associated with the Traincrew plan and recommend steps to prevent a repeat.
• Influence and recommend relevant changes to improve business performance.

And above all that we are hopeful that our brand new transformational timetable will be introduced in 2024, which will see a significant increase in LNER services operated, meaning a significant increase in Traincrew plans. This role will play a critical part in developing options for both Driver and CX resource solutions to meet this new timetable – ensuring efficiency and robustness as always, as well as playing a significant role in providing recommendations for depot establishment changes and recruitment decisions. The last time we did something on this scale was in 2011 – so these big opportunities to really make a difference don't come along too often!!

Sounds exciting doesn't it…? of course, with this being such an integral role to the team there are a few ‘must haves'…

We'd love you to have…

• Suitable experience of the Traincrew Planning Process;
• Ability to negotiate outcomes to achieve business priorities
• Effective communicator within LNER and to external stakeholders with regard to Traincrew Planning and Resource Allocation;
• Solid commercial acumen in relation to the potential impact of decision making within this role.
• Knowledge of Traincrew diagramming
• Knowledge of Traincrew conditions of service
• Suitable experience of resource allocation
• Knowledge of route and traction
• Understanding of industrial relations and relevant Trade Union behaviours and policies
• Experience of calculation of Traincrew establishments
• Computer and spreadsheet literate
• Analytical and numerate
• Knowledge of LNER operations, resources and route

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level
• Member of Institute of Railway Operators
• Understanding of business and marketing strategy
• Financial management and budget management
• Knowledge of Network Rail's Operational Rule s- Engineering Access Statement (EAS) and Timetable Planning Rules (TRP).
• Knowledge of Network Code – Part D
• Train planning process (timetables and resource allocation)
• Good of understanding of LNER markets
• Understanding of Railway performance issues

What you'll get:

• Free travel on LNER + 75% off other companies' tickets (for you & dependents)
• Discounted international train tickets (after one year's service)
• 50% discount on LNER tickets for friends & family
• Generous pension scheme
• Annual cycle to work schemes
• Discount, savings and cashback scheme from top retailers
• Health & wellbeing schemes and discounts
• Host of training opportunities to help further your career
• Rewards & awards to recognise when you shine

What we believe:

To be the most loved, progressive and responsible train operating company, we must make a meaningful difference – always doing what's right for our customers, our people, the communities and destinations we serve, the future of the industry we lead and the environment we cherish.

We know that our people are the beating heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaged culture that supports everyone at every stage of their journey – and ensures that when you're at LNER, you can always be you. No wonder most people never want to leave!

Diversity and inclusion
We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, representative of the communities we serve, and are creating ways to inspire diverse talent to join LNER.

Developing our people
We are focused on creating a learning culture, to support our people to be the best they can be at work by providing them with the tools and resources to navigate their development and career journey.

Health & wellbeing
To create a culture where our people can perform at their best, the physical health and mental wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us.

What next?

As we say, we have fantastic opportunities for ambitious people from all sorts of different backgrounds, so now is the time to join the team at LNER – without delay!

Start your journey here