Rail Commercial Management Graduate 2022

We're all about journeys. A to B. Here to there. We connect people and communities, and we make sure they're smiling along the way. Our graduate roles are designed to take you on a journey, too. Wherever you envision your career going, opportunities within FirstGroup are the perfect place to start.

Over the course of two years as a Rail Commercial Management Graduate, we'll provide the development, mentorship and support needed for you to thrive in whatever direction your career takes you. FirstGroup graduates don't spend all their time staring at computer screens or fetching coffees. We're big believers in hands-on experience. From day one you'll be learning how to think strategically and potentially become a future leader within our business.

Which rail companies could I work in?

FirstGroup is one of the UK's most experienced rail operators. We're all over the UK, from Cornwall up to Scotland, and our business is growing and evolving alongside the wider industry. We currently operate three franchises in which we place graduates – Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast – as well as South Western Railway and the open access passenger rail service, Hull Trains. Last year, our rail services transported 345 million passengers from over 400 stations.

Our commercial management teams combine a wide range of disciplines including Business Strategy and Commercial Development, Marketing, Retail, Revenue, and Customer Proposition. You'll have the opportunity to work in various roles within these functions.

We understand our industry and how to help you thrive within it.

What does the programme involve?

We're keen to encourage our graduates to get out of their comfort zones, so you'll need plenty of drive as you get to grips with our day-to-day.

Initially, you might focus on one of these four areas:

• Retail: Understand the role retailing plays in the customer experience and how the key systems work.
• Revenue: Explain the way revenue is managed within an Operating Company and strategies to grow it.
• Commercial Development: researching specific topics to draft reports and presentations.
• Customer Proposition: Understand how customer insights are collected and how to turn them into action

You might also get stuck into other projects as your experience grows, such as:

• Research and Analysis: identifying issues and forming hypotheses and solutions, and presenting findings and recommendations.
• Project Management: managing projects and programmes, and writing evidence-based delivery plans as part of the project submissions.

Who are you looking for and what qualifications do I need?

First things first: we'd like you to have at least a 2:1 in any degree subject, preferably business-related but we're open to other relevant applications.

If you're ready to get stuck in, take on new challenges and discover all of the incredible doors that a career within FirstGroup can open, we want to hear from you. You'll be mentored at every stage and we'll work with you to make sure that you realise your full potential; we'd love it if you're already envisioning yourself in a management role in the future. You should be able to build positive relationships and work alongside your colleagues at every level, and strongly believe in the organisation's goals and values; safety and the customer should be at the heart of everything you do.

Where will I be located?

Joining one of our Train Operating Companies, you'll be working with various teams, and will need the flexibility to move around over the course of the programme. You might also spend your time on placements across the country.

What will I receive in return?

We offer a competitive salary, travel benefits, pension scheme, buy as you earn and save as you earn share schemes as well as discount and cash back programmes with high street and online retailers. On top of that, we'll also offer you development courses supported by a range of colleagues within a wide network. And, if applicable, opportunities to apply for professional training in fields of interest that are relevant for your role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We've been able to create a culture in which all of our colleagues can thrive.

How will I be selected?

Our graduate recruitment process has five key stages. Once you've submitted your application, you'll be invited to complete a series of online tests. If successful, it's onto video interviews, then an Assessment Centre, and then we make our offers. We'll update you on the progress of your application by email, so make sure you keep an eye on your inbox.

Applications must be received by the 16th January, and where applicable pre-assessment stages completed before the 31st January, 2022. 

Join us at FirstGroup today and find out where tomorrow could take you.