GTR Station Manager - Recruitment Questions

[Joshapple23]

Hi there,
Next week I have my station manager interview, the email says the day consists of a:

Intray exercise - Prioritizing & Actions
Group exercise

Has anyone gone to one of these interviews before? Any tips?

The email says second interviews would take place at a later date (I'm assuming I'm successful in the first round)

Thank you

 

[Dr Hoo]

Sounds very much like it was when I joined BR in the 1970s!
Seriously, don’t try and be too clever. Obviously quickly check through the whole In Tray first. Even though there’s a memo about lapsed safety competencies at the top, the memo about a member of the Royal Family discreetly attending a local funeral tomorrow is probably between the cleaning roster and the stationery requisition at the bottom.
In the Group Exercise remember to act like a manager, not a union rep, a stroppy passenger, a journalist or a lawyer.
Best of luck! I’ve been a Station Manager and went on to have a stonking lifetime career in railways.

 

[Joshapple23]

Hi there,

Tomorrow I have my train station manager interview for GTR, the PDF on the job advertisement says a core competency is the use of SHIELA, BUGLE and GENIUS- I have never used these before but have done research and am willing to learn.

Will me not having this experience be a deal breaker?

Also to anyone else who has had a recent GTR interview can you give me any pointers?

Thank you!!

 

[Joshapple23]

Hi there,

Today I did the assessment centre for Station Manager, the recruiter said that due to franchise changes Station Managers could be relocated anywhere on the GTR network (for context I live in Worthing).

Has anyone had this happen to them or have heard of it happening?

 

[Sly Sloth]

I’d not worry. There’s been numerous managers in the metro area that travel up from the coast over the years. Free travel and most used the time to work and then would be visible for an hour or so before disappearing again!

 

[Joshapple23]

Hi there, the other day I had my Station Manager assessment centre- one of the other candidates was on a secondment as a Station manager already.

Whilst you never know does it basically mean a done deal and he is guaranteed the job or do I still stand some sort of chance?

Best

 

[WAB]

Hi there, the other day I had my Station Manager assessment centre- one of the other candidates was on a secondment as a Station manager already.

Whilst you never know does it basically mean a done deal and he is guaranteed the job or do I still stand some sort of chance?

Best

It varies. If your CV is strongly suited to the role, then it may be a genuine competition. On the other hand, if you're up against someone with experience of the role and the railway and your experience is not that strong, then I'd personally be inclined to consider it a done deal.

However, there could be all sorts of factors at play, like the seconded SM not having performed well on secondment etc. which could mean it's all to play for, so I wouldn't give up hope yet.

 

[WAB]

Hi there,

Today I did the assessment centre for Station Manager, the recruiter said that due to franchise changes Station Managers could be relocated anywhere on the GTR network (for context I live in Worthing).

Has anyone had this happen to them or have heard of it happening?

Non-HQ management grades can end up being shuffled around, sure. The railway is going through a major national reorganisation at the moment. As @Sly Sloth has said, work can be done on the train and a lot of your job may involve being at TOC HQ anyway regardless of the station group you're responsible for.

 

[Joshapple23]

It varies. If your CV is strongly suited to the role, then it may be a genuine competition. On the other hand, if you're up against someone with experience of the role and the railway and your experience is not that strong, then I'd personally be inclined to consider it a done deal.

However, there could be all sorts of factors at play, like the seconded SM not having performed well on secondment etc. which could mean it's all to play for, so I wouldn't give up hope yet.

Hi,

I have no railway experience but have airline experience, ok well I will stay hopeful!

 

[AF91]

Hi,

I have no railway experience but have airline experience, ok well I will stay hopeful!

It's quite a common transfer from airlines to the railway. Lots of transferable skills.

 

[Joshapple23]

Non-HQ management grades can end up being shuffled around, sure. The railway is going through a major national reorganisation at the moment. As @Sly Sloth has said, work can be done on the train and a lot of your job may involve being at TOC HQ anyway regardless of the station group you're responsible for.

Hi, it's for GTR based near Brighton, I live in Worthing but wouldn't want them to say that I'm now based out of Bedford or Cambridge as I would have to rent/ sell my property

 

[7Sonofa7Son]

Will me not having this experience be a deal breaker?

No, this should make the standard GTR station manager

 

[WAB]

Hi, it's for GTR based near Brighton, I live in Worthing but wouldn't want them to say that I'm now based out of Bedford or Cambridge as I would have to rent/ sell my property

GTR has a far larger presence south of the river both in terms of geographical area and number of stations managed. I would be surprised if you were asked to relocate to another region of the UK entirely, rather than simply to another part of South London and the southern Home Counties/south coast. If you do get the job and still have concerns about such a relocation, I'd recommend membership of the relevant union (probably TSSA for an SM) so that if something does come up, you have experienced representation to try and ensure you end up with a post within reasonable travelling distance.

Hi,

I have no railway experience but have airline experience, ok well I will stay hopeful!

Yes with airline experience, I definitely wouldn't rule yourself out!

 

[Joshapple23]

GTR has a far larger presence south of the river both in terms of geographical area and number of stations managed. I would be surprised if you were asked to relocate to another region of the UK entirely, rather than simply to another part of South London and the southern Home Counties/south coast. If you do get the job and still have concerns about such a relocation, I'd recommend membership of the relevant union (probably TSSA for an SM) so that if something does come up, you have experienced representation to try and ensure you end up with a post within reasonable travelling distance.

Yes with airline experience, I definitely wouldn't rule yourself out!

Hi
That's great thank you for the information!
My experience with an employer is as a cabin crew manager- I feel that would still be relevant

 

[Sly Sloth]

Hi, it's for GTR based near Brighton, I live in Worthing but wouldn't want them to say that I'm now based out of Bedford or Cambridge as I would have to rent/ sell my property

If you’re applying for Southern then the furthest you’ll get would be London. If it’s Thameslink then you could get kings Lynn but as the job I’d for Brighton it’ll be based at Brighton.
At interview I’d be tempted to mention that you’d be ok with any travelling involved and make it sound that you’re as flexible as possible

 

[Joshapple23]

If you’re applying for Southern then the furthest you’ll get would be London. If it’s Thameslink then you could get kings Lynn but as the job I’d for Brighton it’ll be based at Brighton.
At interview I’d be tempted to mention that you’d be ok with any travelling involved and make it sound that you’re as flexible as possible

Ok great that's much more reassuring!
As I've been a cabin crew manager onboard and not an operations manager would that matter or are they happy to train fresh blood?

 

[Horizon22]

Ok great that's much more reassuring!
As I've been a cabin crew manager onboard and not an operations manager would that matter or are they happy to train fresh blood?

You've got relevant line manager experience so that will be helpful to them. There are plenty of ex-airline staff in frontline crew and management roles in the railway.

As for re-location I don't think it would be as dramatic as some have suggested, only that they may revamp the relevant area groups and TOCs. At the very worst they'll probably keep people in Southern world aligned with that and those North of London aligned with that area. Just be prepared to be (reasonably) flexible.

 

[Joshapple23]

You've got relevant line manager experience so that will be helpful to them. There are plenty of ex-airline staff in frontline crew and management roles in the railway.

As for re-location I don't think it would be as dramatic as some have suggested, only that they may revamp the relevant area groups and TOCs. At the very worst they'll probably keep people in Southern world aligned with that and those North of London aligned with that area. Just be prepared to be (reasonably) flexible.

Hi there,

Well that's goood to hear as the guy on placement threw me off somewhat!

Yes I will be! Thank you for the advice

 

[Sly Sloth]

Ok great that's much more reassuring!
As I've been a cabin crew manager onboard and not an operations manager would that matter or are they happy to train fresh blood?

Southern have operational managers to look after the safety critical aspects of jobs so don’t worry about experience on the railway. You’ll be looking after property and staff so just need relevant experience of that area of management

 

[Joshapple23]

Hi there,

I did an assessment centre last Friday for the Station Manager role, yesterday the company did more assessment centres (I had the choice of booking Friday or yesterday).

I'm waiting to find out if I'm successful enough for a second stage interview- how long does this generally take?

 

[NSEWonderer]

Hi, Friday 1st Nov I had my assessment centre for Station Manager, the company hosted more assessment centers Monday 4th Nov, how long should I roughly expect to wait to see if I have been successful to the next stage?

7-10 working days is the usual norm in the railway for waiting times. However it can wildly vary outside of these for different reasons. I'd say you're not yet within that average time range.

 

[Joshapple23]

Had my Station Manager interview for 1st Nov, the recruiter said we would hear back week the week after, should I email the recruiter or just wait it out?

 

[tiptoptaff]

Give it 14 calendar days then send a polite chase to HR

 

[DesiroOperator]

I’d say if you don’t hear by the date given then feel free to chase. But be polite about it. Recruitment depts. are always understaffed but equally I don’t think I’d have ever been on my driver course without a bit of follow up.

 

[Rocksolid]

Hi there,

Today I did the assessment centre for Station Manager, the recruiter said that due to franchise changes Station Managers could be relocated anywhere on the GTR network (for context I live in Worthing).

Has anyone had this happen to them or have heard of it happening?

Hello,

I have my assessment scheduled for next Tuesday.I just wanted to find out, what was the day like overall? Is there anything in particular you can share that may have seemed tricky or difficult where more ficus should be given.

It also states that it’s from 10:00am-17:00? What are the stages throughout the day? Please let me know in as much details if you can remember.

Much appreciated.

 

[Joshapple23]

Hello,

I have my assessment scheduled for next Tuesday.I just wanted to find out, what was the day like overall? Is there anything in particular you can share that may have seemed tricky or difficult where more ficus should be given.

It also states that it’s from 10:00am-17:00? What are the stages throughout the day? Please let me know in as much details if you can remember.

Much appreciated.

It was actually a really good insightful day;

First was a task called 'in tray exercise', in my example you were a store manager and are given a variety of tasks to assess and deal with e.g. not hitting sales targets, rude staff, colleagues making fellow colleagues feeling uncomfortable, wheelchair ramps in-store unsafe- basically just say briefly what you would do.

Next you as a group meet a station and area manager where you introduce and talk about yourself, have a few questions up your sleeve to ask them so you look interested.

Next is a group task where you had to come up with a newsletter- make sure you speak up and get your points across even if you aren't given the chance by the others- if someone is quiet ask for their point of view.

The best of luck- in my opinion it's the best job on the railway (I hate shift work)

 

[Rocksolid]

It was actually a really good insightful day;

First was a task called 'in tray exercise', in my example you were a store manager and are given a variety of tasks to assess and deal with e.g. not hitting sales targets, rude staff, colleagues making fellow colleagues feeling uncomfortable, wheelchair ramps in-store unsafe- basically just say briefly what you would do.

Next you as a group meet a station and area manager where you introduce and talk about yourself, have a few questions up your sleeve to ask them so you look interested.

Next is a group task where you had to come up with a newsletter- make sure you speak up and get your points across even if you aren't given the chance by the others- if someone is quiet ask for their point of view.

The best of luck- in my opinion it's the best job on the railway (I hate shift work)

Heyy!!!

This all sounds soo good. Thank you so much for the details. Hopefully you had some brilliant news back. I guess it’s all about being interested, standing out but not being over confident and a “know it all”.

I think I am good at keeping a balance throughout exercises like these, so fingers crossed for me because I am ready for a change. I have been a train Guard for 6 years now.

I agree with you on the shift work, it’s killing me now so this will be a good switch for me.

Good luck and hopefully you got it.

 

[Joshapple23]

Hi there, last year I applied for station manager and got to the assessment centre, the day was good but my pitfall was the group task where I didn't get my point across over enough.

After my rejection email the area manager (who was lovely) emailed my feedback which was 3 paragraphs long; the feedback said I was engaging and passionate but was too quiet during the group task- I really want the job; should I go for it again when it is advertised or do they not consider people twice?

 

[ZackCulross]

Hi there, last year I applied for station manager and got to the assessment centre, the day was good but my pitfall was the group task where I didn't get my point across over enough.

After my rejection email the area manager (who was lovely) emailed my feedback which was 3 paragraphs long; the feedback said I was engaging and passionate but was too quiet during the group task- I really want the job; should I go for it again when it is advertised or do they not consider people twice?

Of course you go for it again, the amount of people they interview, most likely they would've forgotten about you previous application.

You got feedback on what to work on, you have nothing lose.

Go in for it and smash it this time.