Train Planning Graduate Opportunity

Job Introduction

Are you looking for a graduate scheme where you can make a real difference to people’s lives?

Join one of the UK’s busiest train operators as a Train Planning Graduate and be part of the team who design, plan and co-ordinate our service. 

From timetabling, to rosters we’ll help you learn all there is to know about train planning and we’ll also set you up as a future leader in our business.  

2025 is the 200th anniversary of the first-ever passenger rail journey, so we’re celebrating our proud history and our bright future.

Will you be a part of it? Apply now. 

What you’ll do

You’ll experience four six-month placements to understand the key areas of the function: 

• Timing: We run over 1400 services every weekday, all timed to the minute they stop at one of our 185 served stations. Not only do our timing teams have to work out how our services align with each other, we have to work out how they interact with other train operators, our colleagues in freight and what our customers need.  
• Stock: Once we know where and when we want our services to stop, we have to match up our fleet of 396 trains to our plan. With units coming out from nightly maintenance from all five depots from Slade Green to Ramsgate, we have to get them in the right place and the right time. Imagine what happens when we hit a tree and are suddenly 8 units down for the day, think quick! 
• Crew: Trains don’t operate without our brilliant colleagues, so the final piece of the train planning puzzle is to match our people to our services. It’s not as simple as assigning them to one train for the day, we need them to move around the network as needed and importantly, get them home again! 
• Engineering works and events: We work closely with our partners in Network Rail to grant access for essential engineering improvements which means deviating from our plan. We also take into consideration big  events (think football matches and when Taylor Swift comes to town) to understand how it impacts our customer’s needs.  

We will trust you to:

• Adapt and revise train plans: Develop efficient and effective revised train plans when factors arise that impact the normal schedule. 
• Deliver plans on time: Use smart methods to produce revised train plans within deadlines, considering operational constraints. 
• Collaborate across teams: Liaise and negotiate with different teams and organisations to agree on all factors affecting the train plan. 
• Master train planning tools: Make full use of software applications that help create accurate and efficient train plans. 
• Share key updates: Submit train plan information to relevant teams within Southeastern, following established procedures. 
• Keep records updated: Maintain accurate records of live and historical information related to train planning tasks. 
• Grow your skills: Stay updated on organisational, team, and industry trends, applying your knowledge to improve your work. 
• Support critical processes: Contribute to maintaining essential data and processes that underpin train plan production.
• Provide advice and solutions: Work closely with the Train Planning team to address current issues, propose practical solutions, and help shape future strategies.
• Prioritise safety and security: Support health, safety, security, and emergency procedures across company premises and activities.
• Drive improvement: Play an active role in fostering teamwork and continuous improvement within Southeastern’s Train Planning function.

See the information pack attached to understand how the two-year scheme will work and the development opportunities you’ll experience. 

Who you are  

This programme is for final-year students at Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Greenwich graduating in 2025 who:

• Think ‘What if?’ –  Love to solve puzzles and work methodically to find solutions. Are keen to learn, ask lots of questions and challenge the status quo if you think differently. Can influence others to do the same and hope to be a future leader. 
  
  
• Show you care – Are able to work well within a team and build relationships with stakeholders throughout the business to truly understand their needs and objectives. Are purpose driven to do your best for our customers, colleagues and communities. 
  
  
• Make great things happen – Can take ownership of your work and follow through from start to finish to deliver results. Show great attention to detail and can positively communicate (verbally and written) your outcomes. 

The experience you’ll need

To be considered for this opportunity we ask that you;

• Are expecting to get a 2:2 in any degree from either Canterbury Christ Church University or University of Greenwich
• Like solving complex puzzles (that’s basically what train planning is!) 

Nice to have, but not essential: 

• Excel capabilities to support the analysis done by our Head of Train Planning
• Statistical analysis experience  

What you’ll get in return

Along with your salary, the rewards you’ll get include:

• support to find a management role within the business  
• associate membership of CIRO 
• a final salary pension
• 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays)
• free rail travel across our networks
• a range of benefits including dental and private medical insurance, cycle to work, buy/sell holidays, employee assistance programme, occupational physiotherapy service

Meaning you can feel secure in your career as well as fulfilled by your work. Click here to see our full range of amazing benefits.

The recruitment process

• Online applications will close on Thursday 27 February
• Invitations to interview and attend our assessment day will be issued in early March 
• Interviews will be held during an assessment day on Monday 31 March in our Head Office in London Bridge
• Offers will be made to successful candidates in early April 
• Role commences September 2025

As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role. Find out more here. 

Other things to know

• This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early.
• All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role.

Find out more about our recruitment process and get tips to help you apply.

A bit about Southeastern

We’re one of Britain's busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations.

However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It’s about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey.

It’s also about making our railway a great place to work. With a team that represents the communities we serve. This is a journey we’re fully committed to and we’re proud to have been named a ‘Great Place to Work’ at the 2023 National Rail Awards and endorsed as a WORK180 Employer for Women.

Our ways of working are what we expect of everyone at Southeastern. They are powerful. Tiny moments, every day, from every one of us, add up to massive, positive change. Improving how it feels to work here and how it feels to travel with us.

Learn more about our railway.