As one of the UK's leading holiday operators, and market leader in offering holidays by rail, we are passionate about giving our customers an experience which leaves them wanting to travel with Great Rail Journeys time and time again. To achieve this, our people put the customer first in everything that they do. This service ethos extends further than just those who deal directly with customers, it applies equally to those who work behind the scenes making our holidays a success. If this sounds like something that you want to be part of, please consider a career with us!
You would be joining approximately 100 office-based colleagues at our Head Office in York and over 180 Tour Managers from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of ages and life experience - all of whom gain personal satisfaction from ensuring that Great Rail Journeys customers have a relaxing and memorable holiday.
For office-based opportunities, please send a copy of your CV and reasons why we should interview you to our HR Manager, Linda Northwood. Linda can be reached on 01904 521908. All new opportunities are detailed below and we would encourage you to regularly check this section of our website.
For Tour Manager opportunities, please email our TM Manager, Phillip Jackson to request an application form.
Current office opportunities
Thank you for your interest in Great Rail Journeys.
Presently all our employment opportunities are fulfilled.
We would, however, advise you to visit our website on a regular basis to obtain up to date information.
Current Tour Manager opportunities
Tour Manager recruitment for 2012
We have filled all Tour Manager positions for 2012 and recruitment for this role is now closed. When recruitment reopens we will post an update on this section of the website.
The role of the Tour Manager:
You could be a suitable candidate for the Tour Manager role if you have excellent leadership and organisational abilities, can quickly and efficiently solve diverse problems, are diplomatic and friendly, can demonstrate a good understanding of European and Worldwide rail travel, are well-travelled and are available to work in May, June and September 2012.
It is preferable to be proficient in a European language in addition to English.
A view from one of our Tour Managers:
"For those who are outgoing and well-organised, have genuine leadership skills, are tactful and discreet, like and are interested in people, appreciate beautiful scenery and wonderful city sights and can impart enthusiasm to others, are unflappable, and enjoy travelling by train, there are few jobs more enjoyable and fulfilling than to be a Tour Manager for Great Rail Journeys.
"But it's hard work too. It's crucial that you prepare carefully for each trip. As soon as you receive your allocation of tours, it's sensible to start reading up on where you are going and what you are likely to see. You don't need to be a walking Beidecker on each city you visit, but it's as well to learn in advance a bit of the country's history, its system of government, familiarise yourself with local customs and laws. In most places GRJ offers a superb local guide who knows more about the attractions of their city than you will ever learn from a guidebook - rely on them to provide the local colour and knowledge.
"You should aim to be that sort of dinner guest who can chat intelligently to strangers about interesting things without boring them rigid with too much detail and trivia. Be willing to listen as well. You'll find some really interesting people take part in GRJ holidays - doctors, lawyers, police officers, civil servants, teachers, priests, captains of industry. Sometimes they want to remain incognito - even if they tell you their secrets, they may not want others to know, so be sure you respect confidences. You will enjoy their company: do your best to get to know every one of them individually during the course of the holiday.
"It's vital that you plan each day with great care. Make sure you know where you are supposed to be meeting your passengers and when. Check out in advance which platform your train is leaving from, and where in the train your reserved seats are. Be willing to be firm (but courteous) if others are sitting in your allocated seats. Watch out for pickpockets everywhere, especially on busy stations where you have only a short time to connect trains. Think through where and when your passengers will be able to get some refreshments, and don't forget to plan loo stops!!
"The service you get from the GRJ office in York is superb. Not only are they very, very nice people, they're efficient as well, and there to help you. Don't bother them with trivia, but don't be afraid to ask if there's something about your holiday you don't understand. Above all, read the tour manager's notes sent to you by the York office several times, and follow the instructions to the letter."
