Roster Clerk | Swindon | £27,415–£36,554 | Permanent

The Opportunity

If you’re highly organised, enjoy solving problems, and thrive in a fast-paced operational environment, this is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role in keeping rail freight services moving.

A new regional Service Delivery Centre is being established in Swindon, bringing together planning, rostering and control functions to support operations across the South region. Designed to enable faster decision-making, stronger operational oversight and improved service delivery, the centre will play a key role in supporting a safe, efficient and reliable operation.

As a Roster Clerk, you’ll sit at the heart of this operation, ensuring the right drivers are in the right place at the right time. You’ll be responsible for coordinating driver resources, maintaining accurate rosters, managing availability and responding to operational changes, helping ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and reliably.

This is far more than a scheduling role. You’ll develop strong working relationships with drivers, becoming a trusted point of contact for availability, roster changes and day-to-day operational requirements. Your ability to communicate effectively, negotiate solutions and respond calmly under pressure will be essential in balancing operational demands with workforce needs.

Working closely with Planning, Control and Depot teams, you’ll help resolve resource challenges, respond to service changes and ensure the business has the people required to deliver its commitments. Whether you’re an experienced Roster Clerk or bring transferable scheduling experience from another operational environment, this role offers the opportunity to become a key contributor within a growing team and make a visible impact from day one.

Roster Clerk Key Responsibilities

Driver Allocation: Assign work to available drivers in line with operational requirements, competency requirements and depot needs.

Roster Management: Create, maintain and update driver rosters, ensuring all staffing requirements are accurately reflected.

Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with working time regulations, rest requirements, company policies and local agreements.

Absence Management: Record and manage sickness, annual leave and other forms of absence, adjusting resources as required.

Roster Adjustments: Respond to planned and unplanned operational changes, driver availability issues and short-notice disruptions.

Resource Coordination: Work closely with Planning and Control teams to ensure driver resources align with the operational service plan.

Problem Resolution: Identify and resolve resource conflicts, shortages and scheduling challenges in a proactive and efficient manner.

Stakeholder Communication: Build strong relationships with drivers and operational colleagues, providing clear and timely communication regarding roster changes and resource requirements.

Record Keeping: Maintain accurate roster records and workforce data to support operational efficiency, compliance and reporting requirements.

Depot Readiness: Help ensure the depot has the resources required to deliver services safely, legally and reliably.

Ideal Roster Clerk

Scheduling Experience: Previous experience allocating resources or scheduling staff within a regulated or operational environment.

Transferable Industry Background: Suitable experience may include aviation crew rostering, bus or coach operations, logistics workforce scheduling, healthcare rota management, manufacturing shift planning or similar resource allocation roles.

Compliance Focused: Strong understanding of the importance of working time regulations, rest requirements and policy compliance.

Highly Organised: Able to manage multiple priorities, maintain accuracy and work effectively within a fast-moving operational environment.

Problem Solver: Skilled at resolving scheduling conflicts, managing resource shortages and adapting to changing operational demands.

Excellent Communicator: Confident building professional relationships and communicating effectively with employees and operational stakeholders at all levels.

Attention to Detail: Demonstrates a high level of accuracy when maintaining records, updating rosters and processing workforce information.

Team Player: Works collaboratively with planning, control and operational teams to support safe and effective service delivery.

Calm Under Pressure: Comfortable making decisions and managing competing priorities in a time-critical environment.

Location

Swindon (Full-time on-site due to the operational nature of the role).

Monday – Friday, flexible start and finish times are available.

Roster Clerk Salary

Training Salary: £27,415

Qualified Salary: £36,554

Salary progression is dependent upon successful training completion and achievement of role competency standards.

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

• Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services.

• Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions.

• Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions.

• Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance coaching, training, and mental fitness.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Ref: Roster Clerk

Assistant Train Controller | Swindon | £31,500–£42,000 | Permanent

The Opportunity

If you’re looking for an opportunity to build a career in operational control while playing a key role in the day-to-day running of a busy freight operation, this is the kind of position that offers valuable experience and genuine long-term development.

As part of a newly established Service Delivery Centre, you’ll join a team responsible for coordinating and supporting freight operations across the South region. Bringing together planning, rostering, and control functions under one roof, the new operation is designed to deliver faster decision-making, greater operational oversight, and improved service performance.

This is more than an administrative support role. You’ll work at the centre of a live operational environment, monitoring train movements, gathering critical information, updating operational systems, and ensuring Train Controllers have the accurate and timely information needed to make effective decisions.

You’ll be part of a newly created operation where processes, standards, and ways of working are still evolving, giving you the opportunity to learn from experienced operational professionals while contributing to the development of a high-performing control function.

Whether you’re looking to build a career in rail operations or bringing experience from another operational environment, this role offers the opportunity to develop valuable control room expertise and become a key part of a team responsible for keeping freight services moving safely and efficiently.

Assistant Train Controller Responsibilities

Operational Monitoring: Tracking train movements and maintaining accurate real-time updates across operational systems.

Information Gathering: Collecting, collating, and communicating operational information to support effective decision-making.

Internal Coordination: Liaising with depots, operational teams, and colleagues across the Service Delivery Centre to share critical updates and maintain situational awareness.

Event Logging & Administration: Maintaining accurate records of operational events, incidents, communications, and service impacts.

Train Controller Support: Providing timely operational support and information to enable effective real-time control of freight services.

Ideal Assistant Train Controller

Operational Support Experience: Experience supporting busy operational environments, service delivery functions, coordination teams, or control room operations.

Strong IT & System Skills: Comfortable updating systems, maintaining records, and managing operational information with a high degree of accuracy.

Communication Skills: Able to deliver clear, concise, and accurate information across multiple stakeholders and operational teams.

Works Well Under Pressure: Capable of remaining organised, focused, and reliable within fast-paced operational environments where priorities can change quickly.

Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and the ability to manage information effectively in a safety-critical environment.

Transferable Industry Experience: Relevant backgrounds may include emergency call handling, logistics or fleet coordination, transport operations, security operations centres, policing, first responder environments, utilities operations support, or similar operational coordination roles.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: Swindon

Working Pattern: This role operates on a rotating shift pattern, providing 24/7 operational coverage as part of the Service Delivery Centre team.

Salary

Training Salary: £31,500

Qualified Salary: £42,000

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

• Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services.

• Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions.

• Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions.

• Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance coaching, training, and mental fitness.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Ref: Assistant Train Controller 

Planning Manager | Swindon | £65,000 | Permanent

The Opportunity

If you’re looking for an opportunity to shape a brand-new operation, lead a sizeable team, and influence the future of rail freight planning, this is a role that offers genuine strategic impact from day one.

As part of a new regional Service Delivery Centre in Swindon, you’ll lead both the Planning and Rostering teams, bringing together two functions that have historically operated separately and creating a more integrated, efficient, and collaborative approach to service delivery.

This is far more than a traditional planning management role. You’ll have overall responsibility for planning outputs that span from long-term timetable development and industry negotiations through to weekly train plans and traincrew resource allocation. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring freight services are delivered safely, reliably, and cost-effectively while supporting the successful launch of the new Service Delivery Centre.

You’ll be joining at an exciting time of transformation. The business is looking for a leader who can build capability, challenge convention, develop people, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll be trusted to influence how planning and rostering functions operate, while establishing a culture focused on accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

For experienced rail planning leaders looking to take ownership of a critical business function and leave a lasting impact, this is a rare opportunity to help build something from the ground up.

Planning Manager Responsibilities

Planning & Rostering Leadership: Lead the Planning and Rostering teams, ensuring the successful delivery of long-term, short-term, and weekly planning outputs that support customer and operational requirements.

Team Development: Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and strong working relationships across the Service Delivery Centre.

Contractual & Industry Management: Lead negotiations and planning activities relating to track access, timetable development, network changes, and wider industry planning processes.

Operational Improvement: Drive efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and challenge existing processes to improve operational performance and commercial outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement: Develop strong relationships with customers, Network Rail, operational teams, industry partners, and trade union representatives to support successful service delivery.

Ideal Planning Manager

Rail Planning Expertise: Significant experience within train planning, resource planning, rostering, or planning management environments within the rail industry.

Industry & Contractual Knowledge: Strong understanding of Network Code requirements, track access contracts, timetable planning processes, and wider rail industry governance.

Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading large operational teams, developing capability, and driving performance through others.

Change & Continuous Improvement: Comfortable challenging convention, implementing new ways of working, and driving operational efficiencies.

Negotiation & Stakeholder Management: Experience negotiating within regulated or contractual environments and influencing internal and external stakeholders.

People Leadership: Able to engage, inspire, and bring people on a journey while creating a positive, accountable, and high-performing culture.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: Swindon

Working Pattern: Site-based, Monday to Friday.

Travel: Occasional travel required for industry meetings, stakeholder engagement, depot visits, and wider business requirements.

Planning Manager Salary

Salary: £65,000

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

• Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services.

• Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions.

• Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions.

• Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance coaching, training, and mental fitness.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Ref: Planning Manager 

Train Controller | Swindon | £43,252–£57,670 | Permanent

The Opportunity

If you’re looking for an opportunity to take ownership of live operations and make decisions that have a direct impact on service delivery, this is the kind of role that places you at the heart of the action.

As part of a newly established Service Delivery Centre, you’ll join a team responsible for coordinating and controlling freight operations across the South region. Bringing together planning, rostering, and control functions under one roof, the new operation is designed to deliver faster decision-making, greater operational oversight, and improved service performance.

This is more than a traditional control role. You’ll be responsible for the real-time running of freight services, making operational decisions, responding to disruption, and implementing recovery plans to keep trains moving safely, efficiently, and reliably.

You’ll be part of a newly created operation where processes, standards, and ways of working are still evolving, giving you the opportunity to influence how the control function develops from the outset. At the same time, you’ll gain exposure to a complex and operationally critical environment that plays a key role in supporting the movement of freight across the network.

Whether you’re an experienced Train Controller or bring transferable control room experience from aviation, emergency services, utilities, ports, or another safety-critical environment, this role offers the opportunity to take ownership, make an impact, and build a rewarding career within rail operations.

Train Controller Responsibilities

Operational Control: Managing the real-time running of freight services, maintaining situational awareness, identifying emerging issues, and making decisions to support safe and efficient operations.

Service Recovery: Responding to disruption, adjusting operational plans, setting priorities, and implementing recovery actions to minimise service impact.

Driver & Operational Communications: Issuing operational instructions relating to departures, routing changes, regulated running, and other operational requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination: Working closely with drivers, depots, planning, rostering, and operational teams to ensure effective communication and coordinated responses to operational challenges.

Incident Management & Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of decisions, communications, and operational incidents while ensuring compliance with operational standards and procedures.

Ideal Train Controller

Real-Time Operational Control Experience: Proven experience managing live operational movement, network regulation, service flow, or control room activities within a fast-paced environment.

Safety-Critical Decision Making: Comfortable making timely decisions that directly impact operational safety, service performance, and business outcomes.

Incident & Disruption Management: Experience coordinating responses to operational incidents, delays, disruptions, or unexpected events.

Communication Skills: Able to communicate clearly, confidently, and concisely with a range of operational stakeholders, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Problem Solving & Prioritisation: Strong ability to assess situations quickly, prioritise competing demands, and implement effective solutions.

Transferable Industry Experience: Relevant backgrounds may include rail operations, aviation operations or flight dispatch, emergency services control rooms, utilities network control, port and terminal operations, or public transport control environments.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: Swindon

Working Pattern: This role operates on a rotating shift pattern, providing 24/7 operational coverage as part of the Service Delivery Centre team.

Train Controller Salary

£43,252–£57,670 depending on experience.

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

• Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services.

• Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions.

• Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions.

• Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance coaching, training, and mental fitness.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Ref: Train Controller