Operations Manager

Overview

Who are we

First Rail London (FRL) is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The concession began in May 2026. First Rail London is part of First Group, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. First Group operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.

Lead a Driver Management team to ensure that the required competency and fitness assessments for drivers are undertaken and that drivers are deployed in an effective manner that ensures delivery of the train plan and in a manner that complies with all driver agreements.

• Manage the deployment of drivers to ensure the business needs are met in terms of efficient and economical operation.
• Ensure that base rosters are compliant with laid down standards and agreements in liaison with the Head of Rostering.
• Carry out the provision of the disciplinary procedures, welfare arrangements and health and safety at work as delegated.
• To ensure that Driver Management team have robust plans established for ensuring that all fitness for duty checks, competency assessment and monitoring activities of drivers are carried out to the frequency specified in and in accordance with the methods set out in applicable company procedures.
• In conjunction with the appropriate Driver Management team, formulate plans where it is necessary to introduce additional monitoring provisions for specified drivers.
• Contribute to the preparation of the depot cost budget and resource plans and monitor emerging trends and take corrective action as necessary
• Lead and direct the Driver Management team to implement the operational standards (developed by the Operations Standards Manager) at Driver depots.
• Chair consultation and bargaining meetings with depot staff representatives as directed by the Head of Operations.
• Ensure depot safety checks are carried out as specified in company procedures.
• Manage all non-staff costs at each depot to ensure that business needs are met economically.
• Ensure Driver Managers maintain competency in conjunction with the Operations Development manager.
• Ensure remedial actions from all audits are addressed and closed out.
• Lead and develop the Driver Management to ensure ARL business aims and objectives are met.

• Be capable of improving levels of driver performance in terms of safety and discipline and to manage effectively staff inter-relationships within traincrew depots and between depot staff and other members of staff.

• Good knowledge of traction/traincrew matters, including conditions of service, rostering practices, disciplinary procedure and bargaining procedures.

• Certification in rules and regulations to driver competence and knowledge of traction instructions (desirable).

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above

New Cross Gate Station

• Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network - this alone is worth a potential total of £5,200 per annum
• 75% discount off season tickets and leisure travel on other Train Operating Companies
• Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service
• First Xclusives – a benefits portal offering a wide range of benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24hr helpline, covering a multitude of subjects