Applicants will be required to start January 2026, dates yet to be confirmed.
Why LNER?
We go beyond. For everyone. Our vision is to be the most loved, progressive and responsible way to travel for generations to come. Now we're looking for the people who can deliver this, every day.
Since we took over on the East Coast mainline, we've been changing the face of rail travel. Our new Azuma train has brought faster journey times, more space and greater reliability. Our exciting plans to embrace new ideas, experiences, backgrounds and ambitions make this the ideal time to join.
Bringing passion. Being bold. Always caring. Owning it. They're the values that make us LNER.
So, what exactly does a Train Manager do?
As a Train Manager, you'll be the one accountable leader and the driving force behind a safe, smooth, and exceptional travel experience. This is a high-profile role where you'll take charge of both the safe and punctual running of our services and the leadership of your on-board team — and while it's a big responsibility, it's also one of the most rewarding roles on the railway.
You'll be the heartbeat of the train, creating a safe and welcoming environment where your team thrives and customers feel valued. From coaching and supporting your crew to delivering top-tier service, you'll set the tone and lead by example. You'll make sure every detail — from clean carriages to working fixtures — is spot on, using technology and teamwork to keep standards high and customers happy.
You'll take personal responsibility for key operational tasks like door control, dispatch, and customer management, all while ensuring catering services in both First Class and retail areas are delivered promptly, hygienically, and with a smile. You'll also carry out ticket checks and promote on-board sales, helping to drive revenue while keeping things running smoothly.
When things don't go to plan, you'll be the calm, clear voice that keeps everyone informed — working closely with the driver and your team to share timely, accurate updates with customers and colleagues alike. You'll be accountable for your service's Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores, and you'll work with your manager to keep improving and innovating.
This is more than just a job — it's a chance to lead, grow, and make a real impact while travelling at 125 mph! And because this is a Department for Education funded apprenticeship, we're looking for someone who's ready to learn, develop, and embrace every opportunity. Our training is designed to set you up for success, embedding the apprenticeship standard into every step of your journey.
Do you have what it takes?
To be a great LNER Train Manager, you'll need more than just a uniform — you'll need passion, leadership, and a genuine desire to make every journey exceptional. We're looking for someone who:
- Has a natural flair for customer experience — you're highly motivated, organised, and thrive on delivering legendary service, even under pressure.
- Brings outstanding leadership and coaching skills, confidently assigning roles and responsibilities while inspiring your team to be their best.
- Can build strong relationships and lead by example, encouraging colleagues to deliver exceptional service, even in challenging situations.
- Has a proven track record of achieving customer experience, operational, and revenue targets.
- Understands revenue and cost targets and knows how to drive commercial performance while complying with policies and procedures.
- Ideally, you'll have some knowledge of ticketing, retailing, and LNER routes — but don't worry if you don't, we'll teach you everything you need to know to confidently support our customers with their travel queries.
- Holds or is willing to obtain a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification and understands the importance of food safety in delivering a great on-board experience.
- Possesses strong communication and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage workload, prioritise effectively, and stay calm under pressure.
- Is confident using technology and equipment to enhance the customer experience and support operational excellence.
- Understands that the train environment — from cleanliness to fixtures and fittings — is part of the customer journey, and can manage these areas through smart resource deployment and collaboration.
- Takes ownership of Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores, working with your line manager to develop and implement improvement plans.
- Leads the team to deliver timely, hygienic, and high-quality catering services in both First Class and retail areas, maximising customer satisfaction and revenue.
- Ensures effective ticket checks are carried out and actively promotes on-board sales, while complying with all retail and stock procedures.
- Shares timely and accurate information with both customers and colleagues, especially during disruption, and works closely with the driver to keep everyone informed.
- Is committed to achieving safety, revenue, and customer service targets, and is ready to complete operational competence standards as part of the role.
- Has the ability to learn, understand, and consistently follow rules, procedures, and safety standards — a vital part of keeping our services running smoothly and safely.
To apply, you must be 18 or over due to the sale of alcohol on board. You'll also need to be flexible, as our services run nearly 24/7 — shift work and occasional overnight stays during training are part of the journey.
As this is a Department for Education funded apprenticeship, we're looking for individuals who are committed to learning and development. If you're 18, you'll need to have achieved GCSE grade 9–4 (or Level 2 equivalent) in English and Maths. If you're 19 or older, we'll ask for any prior attainment evidence, but don't worry if you don't have it — your application will still be considered. Due to the intensive nature of the training, successful candidates must commit to completing the initial six-week programme without any absences.
All applicants will complete psychometric testing as part of the selection process and a bksb Initial and Diagnostic Assessment in English and Maths to ensure you get the right support throughout your apprenticeship.
Please note: if you already hold or are working towards a Level 2 Passenger Transport Operative qualification, we won't be able to progress your application at this time.
What you'll get:
- Free travel on LNER + 75% off other companies' tickets (for you & dependents).
- Discounted international train tickets (after one year's service).
- 50% discount on LNER tickets for friends & family.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Annual cycle to work schemes.
- Discount, savings and cashback scheme from top retailers.
- Health & wellbeing schemes and discounts.
- Host of training opportunities to help further your career.
- Rewards & awards to recognise when you shine.
- Salary increases to £48,788 per annum (including London Weighting) upon completion of qualifications.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
If you are successful in your application and are new to the business, we will undertake a basic DBS check as part of our pre-employment checks. This only happens once we have conditionally offered you the job. Here we check for any unspent convictions and conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. If there is evidence of an unspent conviction or conditional caution, the details of these are reviewed internally by a cross functional panel on a case by case basis before a final offer of employment is issued. This however may result in any offer being withdrawn. Further information on how we collect and use this data is available on our privacy notice.
Medical screening
We're a safety conscious business so for all roles you'll need to pass a medical screening and a drugs and alcohol test before we send you an unconditional job offer. For our safety critical roles, you'll also need to have a safety critical medical. Our friendly, in-house Health and Wellbeing team will book a time and place to suit you. The sooner, the better, so please be flexible with your availability. Once your medical gets the thumbs up, we'll finalise any last details and look forward to you joining our team.
What we believe:
To be the most loved, progressive and responsible train operating company, we must make a meaningful difference – always doing what's right for our customers, our people, the communities and destinations we serve, the future of the industry we lead and the environment we cherish.
We know that our people are the beating heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaged culture that supports everyone at every stage of their journey – and ensures that when you're at LNER, you can always be you. No wonder most people never want to leave!
Diversity and inclusion
We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, representative of the communities we serve, and are creating ways to inspire diverse talent to join LNER.
Developing our people
We are focused on creating a learning culture; to support our people to be the best they can be at work by providing them with the tools and resources to navigate their development and career journey.
Health & wellbeing
To create a culture where our people can perform at their best, the physical health and mental wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us.
What next?
As we say, we have fantastic opportunities for ambitious people from all sorts of different backgrounds, so now is the time to join the team at LNER – without delay!
Start your journey here.
Please note we are unable to provide feedback on applications at any stage prior to a face-to-face interview
