Key Takeaways
- Gain experience in business transformation, change management, and project delivery within Arriva's rail operations.
- Based in Crewe with hybrid working and UK travel required.
- Two-year graduate development programme with structured learning and mentoring.
- Applications close on Friday 27 November 2026.
- Must have the right to work in the UK permanently and be available to start in September 2027.
About the Role
As a Rail Services Graduate specialising in Business Transformation, you'll play a key role in helping deliver change and continuous improvement across Arriva's rail operations. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you'll support projects that improve the way we work, helping teams adapt to new ways of working and deliver better outcomes for customers and the business.
During the programme, you'll gain experience in areas such as change management, project delivery, stakeholder engagement and business improvement. You'll learn how large-scale initiatives are planned, implemented and embedded, developing the skills needed to lead and support change in a complex and fast-moving environment.
Location
This role is based at our Crewe depot and will require travel to York, Leeds and Derby. The role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week at the depot or another Arriva workplace.
What We’re Looking For:
We're looking for graduates with curiosity, drive and the confidence to keep learning. People who take ownership, build positive relationships and want to make a meaningful contribution from day one.
About You:
We're open to applications from graduates of all degree disciplines. We're particularly interested in people who:
- Are curious, proactive and eager to learn
- Enjoy solving problems and thinking creatively
- Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Can analyse information and use evidence to support decisions
- Enjoy working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
- Are interested in change management, project delivery and business improvement
- Are comfortable listening to different perspectives and helping people adapt to change
- Are organised and able to manage competing priorities
The Graduate Programme
Alongside your role, you'll be part of our two-year graduate development programme, benefiting from structured learning, mentoring, exposure to senior leaders and a connected graduate network across Arriva.
The breadth of experience gained throughout the programme will help you build the skills and confidence needed to lead and support change in a complex operational environment.
You may also have opportunities to undertake relevant learning or professional development in areas such as project management, change management, stakeholder engagement and business transformation.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, you'll need:
- To be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a degree (2:1 preferred, with strong 2:2 applications considered)
- The right to work in the UK permanently
- Availability to join the programme in September 2027
- Willingness to travel where required in the UK
How to Apply
If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Early Careers team at earlycareers@arriva.co.uk. We're always happy to help.
The closing date for applications is close of play Friday 27 November 2026. We'd encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience, as we review applications as they are received and may close this opportunity early.