Competency Development Manager - Driver (3203)
- Salary:£79,926 along with excellent benefits
- Location:Various Locations
- Contract Type:Permanent
- Closing Date:17 October 2025
Currently looking to recruit 3 Competency Development Managers (Driver) for various Depots
This role is suitable for qualified train drivers with a minimum of four years' driving experience on the mainline railway network. This does not include driving experience on Metro, light rail or preserved railways.
About the role:-
We have re-evaluated how we can best support our drivers' competency management here at Southern and Gatwick Express. As part of this, the role of Competency Development Manager has been completely re-scoped. This is a key role, suitable for ambitious, qualified drivers looking to develop careers supporting colleagues within management, in which you will be given a free hand to develop your team of drivers by being accountable for their performance throughout assessment cycles. Within no time, you'll be confident knowing the ability, experience and competency of all of the drivers within your team, and through effective time management you will prioritise support appropriately depending on every driver's needs. You will create development plans for drivers requiring additional support, and undertake competency investigations following operational incidents, with the aim to ensure the maximum number of safe, engaged drivers are available to the business for service delivery.
There is no-on call commitment associated with this role. You will be free to plan your working week to achieve the outcomes needed for engaging competency development, working with your Regional Competency Manager and local depot colleagues. Much of your time will be spent on our railway, in driving cabs and travelling to diverse locations. You will have time to engage in continuous personal development activity, which we will support you with through training and opportunities. The high level of personal flexibility within this role supports our company ambitions to employ a diverse workforce. However, at specific agreed times of the year, you will be expected to be available to drive trains for complete shifts to support provision of reliable passenger services. In addition, this role is not suitable for remote home working due to the need for drivers and colleagues to see their CDMs within the working environment.
The experience we are looking for is:-
- This role is suitable for qualified train drivers with a minimum of four years' driving experience on the mainline railway network. This does not include driving experience on Metro, light rail or preserved railways.
- Applicants will need to demonstrate a strong safety record, and determination of suitability for this role from a competency perspective will be determined by the professional Head of Operational Standards.
- Knowledge of Electrostar fleets and valid route competency on the Southern network is highly advantageous.
- Existing competency as an A1 assessor is highly advantageous, although training may be provided to support early attainment of the qualification for suitable candidates.
Full JD attached.
Benefits

Pension

Staff Travel

Childcare Vouchers

Extra Holidays

Discount Scheme

Long Service Awards

Employee Assistance Programme

The Transport Benevolent Fund

In-House Occupational Health Department

Cycle to Work Scheme
Testimonials
What our staff say
“I work as part of the Fleet Infrastructure team, which means ensuring our 18 Engineering locations operate safely and efficiently. We oversee all building and track maintenance works as well as various minor and major projects across the network.”
Hannah Richards
Fleet Infrastructure Administrator
“I started in a small ticket office back in 1996 and have continued to work my way up ever since. A previous manager told me about a job he’d seen advertised for a trainer. ’d never considered a job in HR or mentoring before then, but he said I’d be perfect for it and I haven’t looked back since!”
Zoey Hudson
Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion
“Since April, I’ve helped to support our Kickstart Scheme. It’s been a really rewarding process to be part of because I know first-hand how tough it can be to find work once you’re out of it.”
Jack Gow
Mobile Station Manager
“I love the freedom that comes with being a train driver. Obviously, there are rules and regulations to follow as well as duties and commitments to carry out, but in a way, you’re sort of your own boss, which is nice.”
Ashley John
Train Driver
“I’m a Thameslink passenger host and team leader based at Luton station and I’m currently doing a Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship so that I can improve my skills even further. I was hesitant to do the apprenticeship at first because of my age – I left school over 60 years ago without any qualifications! It’s been hard to get back into the routine of learning again.”
Bob Bryce
Passenger Host Team Leader
“It was my brother’s suggestion to join the railway. He was already working in the industry and knew I had some university bills to pay off so told me to give it a go, get out of debt and see what I wanted to do next. After a while, it just felt like actually – this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m part of a great team and the on-board department as a whole are brilliant to work with. I feel at home here.”
Tonderai Matizha-Johnson
Area Operations Manager
“When I saw that GTR was advertising places for its apprenticeship scheme I looked into it straight away because I thought it was a great opportunity to learn whilst getting real life experience in a 9-5 job. I applied for a level three business administration apprenticeship and was thrilled to find out I had a place on the course! I was so excited that I didn’t even mind it was based 250 miles away from where I lived.”
Harriet Dee
Team Administrator
“Working for GTR is very rewarding and fulfilling. You really feel like you're making a difference to customers, no matter what role you're in as at the end of the day they're the heart of our business. I’ve had lots of opportunities to explore other aspects of the business including supporting our station staff and gaining my Train Dispatch Licence which has been enriching for my experience here.”
Maggie Luckhurst
Platform / Train Dispatch
“If you’ve always had an interest in rail, or maybe you’re just curious to find out what working in the railway might look like, GTR is the operator to go for. Not many companies do an official work experience program and this unique opportunity will give you a good grounding with varied activities to help you find the best place in the railway for you. It certainly did it for me.”
Nathaniel Owen
Station Manager