SNCF Gares & Connexions Offers Assistant Manager Opportunity: A Gateway to Rail Infrastructure Management
The French national railway company, SNCF, is actively seeking a motivated individual to join its Gares & Connexions division as an Assistant Manager through an apprenticeship or professionalization contract. This role, based within the operational heart of the railway network, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the management and modernization of France’s 3,000 railway stations, which see approximately 10 million passengers daily. The position is designed to support the daily operations of a Proximity Manager, encompassing a broad range of responsibilities from data analysis and internal communications to logistical support and event organization. This is a chance to gain hands-on experience within a vital component of France’s transportation infrastructure, working alongside a team dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience and ensuring the smooth functioning of the rail network.
SNCF Gares & Connexions plays a crucial role in the French transport landscape, serving all modes of transport, local authorities, and travelers. The company’s commitment extends beyond simply managing stations; it encompasses a dedication to improving operational quality, developing innovative services, and modernizing the existing infrastructure. With over 4,900 employees nationwide, SNCF Gares & Connexions is focused on integrating stations into urban projects and fostering a diverse and collaborative work environment. The company’s strategy, as outlined on the SNCF website, centers around five key pillars: safety and security, quality of production and service, employee satisfaction and engagement, customer satisfaction and relationship management, and societal, territorial, and environmental commitment. More information about the company’s strategy can be found on the SNCF website.
Responsibilities and Daily Tasks
The Assistant Manager position at SNCF Gares & Connexions is multifaceted, demanding a versatile skillset and a proactive approach. The core of the role revolves around providing direct support to the Proximity Manager in their daily operational tasks. This includes a significant amount of data management, specifically the creation of statistical reports and dashboards to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement. Effective internal communication is as well paramount, with the assistant responsible for disseminating information throughout the team.
Beyond these core responsibilities, the role encompasses a wide range of logistical and administrative duties. These include tracking employee training, facilitating the weekly briefing of the Centre Opérationnel Exploitation des Gares (COEG), ensuring regular equipment inspections are conducted, and monitoring the progress of ongoing work requests. The assistant will also manage the company’s telephone fleet, handling equipment allocation, maintenance, and support. They will be responsible for managing access permissions and ensuring that business applications are up-to-date. A key aspect of the role involves providing “Pas à Pas” guidance and support to colleagues, as well as managing the ordering and payment of consumables. Finally, the assistant will contribute to the organization of events, such as Job and Skills Days (JOS), employee feedback sessions, and training programs, and participate in exercises simulating the management of passenger flows.
Required Skills and Qualifications
SNCF Gares & Connexions is seeking candidates who possess a strong set of core competencies. The ability to drive and monitor quality is essential, alongside a demonstrated capacity for cooperation, innovation, and methodical working practices. A results-oriented mindset and the ability to prepare and implement action plans are also highly valued. Candidates should also be able to effectively promote the company and demonstrate proficiency in project management, organization, and attention to detail. A commitment to operational excellence is a key requirement.
In addition to these core skills, a valid driver’s license (Permis B) is mandatory, as the role may require travel. The position also offers the possibility of remote work, providing flexibility for employees. The company emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity, stating that all its positions are open to individuals with disabilities. The company’s commitment to non-discrimination is detailed in their Reference Document for Stations (DRG), which outlines the principles and procedures for using stations within the national rail network.
Compensation and Benefits
SNCF offers competitive compensation packages for both apprenticeship and professionalization contracts. Apprentice salaries are determined as a percentage of the French minimum wage (SMIC) or the minimum SNCF salary, based on the candidate’s age and progress within their training program, in accordance with French labor law. Professionalization contract salaries are also set by decree as a percentage of the SMIC, varying according to age.
Beyond the base salary, employees may be eligible for a performance-based bonus and profit-sharing scheme, depending on the company’s overall results. SNCF employees also benefit from a range of additional advantages, including housing assistance, social protection, travel benefits, and access to the company’s employee committee. According to the SNCF website, the company invested €2.06 billion in 2025, with a further €1 billion allocated to annual investments, demonstrating its commitment to long-term growth and development.
The Broader Context: SNCF’s Strategic Challenges in 2026
This Assistant Manager position arrives at a pivotal moment for SNCF Gares & Connexions. Alain Resplandy-Bernard, the Director General of SNCF Gares & Connexions, recently outlined four key challenges for 2026: mastering operating costs, ensuring safety and security, enhancing the passenger experience, and driving innovation. These challenges were detailed in an interview with Alain Resplandy-Bernard published by Infra360. The emphasis on cost control is particularly significant, as the company aims to make investments in modernization and service improvements sustainable.
The role of Assistant Manager will be directly involved in supporting these strategic objectives, contributing to the efficient operation of stations and the delivery of a high-quality passenger experience. The position requires a proactive individual who can contribute to data-driven decision-making, streamline processes, and foster a collaborative work environment. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that SNCF Gares & Connexions continues to meet the evolving needs of travelers and stakeholders across the French rail network. The company’s commitment to modernization and innovation is reflected in its ongoing investments in station infrastructure and its focus on developing new services to enhance the passenger journey.
The French railway system is undergoing a period of significant transformation, with a renewed focus on sustainability and accessibility. SNCF Gares & Connexions is at the forefront of this effort, working to create modern, welcoming, and accessible stations that serve as hubs for communities and contribute to the economic vitality of the regions they serve. This Assistant Manager role offers a unique opportunity to be part of this exciting evolution.
Key Takeaways:
- SNCF Gares & Connexions is seeking an Assistant Manager to support daily operations at its railway stations.
- The role requires a diverse skillset, including data analysis, communication, and logistical support.
- Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and demonstrate strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- SNCF offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development.
- The position is part of a broader strategic effort to modernize and improve the French rail network.
The application deadline for this position is not explicitly stated in the provided information. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the SNCF careers website for more details and to submit their applications. The company is actively recruiting and seeking individuals who are passionate about contributing to the future of rail travel in France.
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