Who are we?
GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 stations in the South West, 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 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.
Who we are:
We are GWR, the proud custodian of one of the most prestigious railway networks in the world. Our services call at over 275 stations, stretching across the South-West of England, Thames Valley and into Wales.
Over recent years, we have made huge investments in the fleet and infrastructure that has transformed our railway. Now our role is to maximise the benefits of this investment for our customers and the communities we serve.
Do you share our passion for the railway? If so, we would love to hear from you.
About the role:
The role of Deputy Head of Drivers deputises for the Head of Drivers to ensure that the train plan is safely and effectively met by leading, developing and managing a highly motivated, competent and professional driver organisation. Additionally, it involves developing and maintaining an effective working relationship with Drivers' Divisional Council to ensure a good employee relations climate within operations.
This role is a key member of the Customer Service & Operations Directorate as well as GWR overall and will be part of the senior leadership team delivering the overall business strategy including contractual and business plan commitments.
Supporting the organisation's vision and purpose by living GWR's values always, you are responsible for complying with competencies and HR policies which are relevant to your role.
Supporting Head of Drivers in acting as the focal point for high-level driver management issues, you also play a key role in keeping team members engaged, through effective use of people management and communication practices.
You will assist the Head of Drivers in being responsible for communicating the organisation's vision and purpose in an appropriate way to the team members, to ensure everyone works towards a common end point, while understanding how they contribute to the success of GWR.
The main responsibilities will be:
The Deputy Head of Drivers deputises for the Head of Drivers as and when required.
1. Chair Drivers' Divisional Council Staff Representative meetings and take appropriate follow up actions, ensuring discussions are recorded and communicated as appropriate.
2. Chair disciplinary hearings, individual grievances and MFA hearings etc. as appropriate.
3. Implement company Employment Policies and Procedures as appropriate in relation to your designated team
4. Participate in the Operations/On Trains On-call roster as required.
5. Produce management information and work as directed and requested by the Head of Drivers
Are you able to provide the right level of support and leadership to the Head of Drivers to ensure the Driver team continues to deliver for the business, with a proven track record as a wider team manager?
Are you a solution finder and a problem solver? Able to see past the difficulties to ensure that GWR delivers on its commitments to its customers?
As a minimum you must have:
6. An understanding of the issues involved in extensive management and transformation of company operations and infrastructure, including traction.
7. Experience in dealing with trade unions is desirable.
8. Train Driver competencies are desirable, with experience/knowledge of AC operation.
About the location:
The role has the responsibility for all regions and is located in Swindon. However, travel to other locations within the company is also required, as is working flexibility to meet the needs of the business. Job share could be considered.
Additional information:
Interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible after vacancy closing date
The Reward
As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including on-going development, 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.
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 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.