Senior Train Crew Diagramming Lead

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 FirstGroup, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

Provide effective management and leadership of the Traincrew Diagramming team and work plan on behalf of the Train Planning team to produce a high quality planning product - delivering the most efficient resourcing for an exceptional punctuality railway. This will be achieved through effective workload and manpower planning, mentoring and supporting the work of other Planning & Diagramming Specialists. Develop and maintain a progressive relationship with our local union representatives in relation to driver diagrams to drive forward collaborative engagement. Undertake all aspects of long term and short term traincrew diagramming as demanded by the overall workload plan of the train planning department. Scope out, oversee and deliver train planning projects as required, including traincrew planning for SLC changes, performance led timetable changes and unit and traincrew diagramming feasibility studies

Your main responsibilities will be:

Provide day-to-day leadership of the Traincrew Diagramming team to produce a high quality planning product, maintaining effective workload and manpower planning to achieve required timescales

Oversee and undertake the production of LTP and STP train crew diagrams

Be the key diagramming contact for and drive forward the relationship with local driver union representatives, maintaining regular communication, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Lead the production of crew diagrams that make most efficient and effective use of train crew, retain optimal route knowledge and maximise the benefits of the existing Terms and Conditions working closely with key stakeholders.

Ensure traincrew diagrams that are robust & deliver a train service will meet the Concession performance targets and issue these in a timely manner

Oversee and deliver optioneering the most efficient diagramming solutions in line with business objectives, provide guidance on where changes to Terms and Conditions or diagramming practice may lead to Traincrew productivity savings

Ownership of the KPI reporting and benchmarking for the diagramming team to measure the performance of train crew processes, implementing improvement actions plans if required

Make effective use of information technology to increase the productivity of the Traincrew Diagramming team

Establish and foster a culture of continuous improvement by leading your team to identify and implement improvements to train planning processes and systems

Lead the Traincrew Diagramming team by example, holding high standards of behavior in line with Arriva's values and the Arriva Rail London Vision and Strategy

Any other ad-hoc duties as instructed by the line manager.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

Proven Train Crew Diagramming experience

Proven track record of effectively leading and motivating teams

Previous experience of using KPIs and benchmarking to drive successful business outcomes

Experience of successfully undertaking business-to-business negotiations

Able to build effective and influencing relationships with key stakeholders and lead a team to achieve effective internal and external stakeholder management

Knowledge of Diagramming rules and how to apply Traincrew Terms and Conditions within diagram parameters.

Understanding of appropriate First Rail London and Network Rail routes

Excellent IT literacy with experience of introducing new technologies

Excellent political awareness

Effective and persuasive written and verbal communication style

Influence others and work effectively under pressure

Proven ability to develop and implement strategies to achieve business objectives

Tracsis (Desirable)

Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience)

About the location

Redman House / Hybrid

The Reward

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

We all belong at First Rail London. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, 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.