GTR - Trainee Rail Replacement Controller

GTR - Trainee Rail Replacement Controller

Final date to receive applications: 12 January 2026

Department: TUK Rail Replacement

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: TUK London Head Office

Reporting To: Control Manager

Compensation: £28,808 / year

Transport UK Rail Replacement provides a specialist service to the UK Rail Industry when train services are disrupted by planned engineering work or emergency incidents. Our highly experienced rail replacement team offers a fully managed service for the provision of coaches, buses, small vehicles, and taxis.

We are offering an exciting 2-year training programme for individuals looking to build a career in rail replacement operations and control room management
. This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments and want to develop specialist skills that cover scheduling, operations, account management, customer service, supplier relations, health & safety.

You will play a vital role in planning and managing replacement bus and coach services during rail disruptions
, working closely with suppliers, control centres, and station teams to ensure safe, reliable, and customer-focused services.

The Duty Controller role operates on a 4 on 4 off schedule including day and night shifts. The role is fully office based from Corinthian House in Croydon.

• Actively engage in and successfully complete the structured 2-year training programme, including classroom learning, on-the-job training, mentoring sessions.
• Demonstrate continuous learning by applying training outcomes to day-to-day operational duties.
• Plan and manage replacement buses and coaches to provide journeys to a timetable when the rail service is disrupted due to pre-planned and emergency requirements.
• Responsible for the quality of our customer-focused response.
• Provide efficient and effective administrative support.
• Work effectively with external suppliers and colleagues.
• Always have a duty of care for the health and safety of yourself and your colleagues, including a duty to report unsafe acts or omissions of safety.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.

• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in transport, operations, or logistics (experience not required).
• Ability to develop effective working relations with suppliers and colleagues.
• Can handle high pressure situations in a calm, professional and logical manner.
• Desirable if applicants can demonstrate previous experience administering logistics or passenger transport.
• The post involves shift-working on a rota basis covering Day & Night shift on a four on four off pattern.

• 2-Year Structured Training Programme
• Permanent Contract
• Competitive salary, £28,808 per annum
• Generous Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme