At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bus network operations, ensuring safety and reliability across Manchester & Merseyside.
- Company: Stagecoach, a leading transport provider committed to inclusivity and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a culture that values diversity and encourages everyone to be themselves.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Extensive operations management experience in passenger transport and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Competitive salary, bonus and company car.
Based in either Manchester or Merseyside, with travel to all depots.
This pivotal leadership role within the Manchester & Merseyside Op Co reports directly to the Operations Director.
You will oversee the day‑to‑day running of our bus network, ensuring every route runs safely, reliably and meets the standard our passengers deserve.
Responsibilities
- Lead the performance of the bus network across Manchester & Merseyside, ensuring on‑time running, lost mileage, vehicle availability and service reliability.
- Work within the operational safety management framework, maintain full compliance with DVSA requirements, Traffic Commissioner expectations and drive a genuine safety‑first culture across every depot and shift.
- Lead a substantial operational workforce, fostering an environment where people are engaged, supported and proud of the service they deliver.
- Oversee workforce planning, driver recruitment, retention, and maintain positive industrial relations with recognised trade unions.
- Drive continuous improvement across all operational functions, identifying inefficiencies, reducing costs, improving processes and leveraging data and technology to lift performance.
- Work closely with the OD and finance team to manage the operational budget and contribute to the annual business planning cycle.
- Make operational decisions with the customer in mind, recovering quickly from disruption, improving driver‑passenger interactions and enhancing overall service reliability.
- Collaborate with the commercial team to act on customer feedback and raise satisfaction scores across the network.
Qualifications
- Significant operations management experience, ideally within bus, coach, rail or another large‑scale passenger transport environment.
- Strong track record of managing complex, large depot or multi‑site operations with responsibility for service delivery, safety, fleet and workforce.
- Sound knowledge of the UK bus regulatory framework, DVSA standards, Traffic Commissioner requirements and Operator Licence obligations.
- Experience managing large operational workforces, including driver recruitment, retention, shift planning and absence management.
- Solid financial acumen, with experience of managing operational budgets and contributing to business planning and efficiency programmes.
- A confident, visible leader who engages authentically with people at every level, from the depot floor to Ex Co.
- Experience of building and sustaining positive relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Track record of embedding safety‑first cultures and continuous improvement disciplines in operational organisations.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working with local authorities, public bodies or regulatory organisations.
- Ability to remain calm, decisive and effective under pressure when operational challenges arise.
Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated.
We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age.
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Head of Operations - Stagecoach Manchester & Merseyside employer: 265 Greater Manchester Buses South Limited
265 Greater Manchester Buses South Limited is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees through fully paid training for a PCV licence, ensuring you are well-prepared for your role as a Bus Driver. With competitive pay rates, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like free travel for you and a companion, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values customer service and community engagement in the vibrant city of Manchester.
Contact Details:
265 Greater Manchester Buses South Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Stagecoach Manchester & Merseyside
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Stagecoach Manchester & Merseyside
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at 265 Greater Manchester Buses South Limited, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
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How to prepare for a job interview at 265 Greater Manchester Buses South Limited
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
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