At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape operations for a major UK travel group, overseeing partner networks and fleet strategy.
- Company: Established travel group with a focus on passenger transport and innovation.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, bonus potential, 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and EV scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a management team and drive technology modernisation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of travel operations and partner relationships.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in transport or logistics, with a strong operational background.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
A well-established, profitable UK travel group is appointing an Operations Director to a newly created Board-level role. The operation moves tens of thousands of passengers a year, delivered through a national network of coach operator partners and their drivers. Whoever takes this role will shape how the Group operates for the next decade, from the partner network it grows with and the vehicles it runs, through to the modern operation behind every holiday it delivers.
This newly created executive role will sit on the Group Board and take ownership of coach operations, logistics, the partner network, fleet strategy, operational performance and technology modernisation.
The Role
- Reporting directly to the CEO, you will operate at a strategic and Board level, setting the direction for the operation while leading through an experienced Operations Manager and wider management team.
- Owning the strategy for the operator partner network, including selection, contracting, capacity planning, performance standards and long-term relationships.
- Expanding that network and building genuinely reciprocal partnerships is a key part of this role.
- Shaping fleet strategy through those partners, covering specification, standard, renewal and future propulsion.
- Maintaining robust safety, compliance and assurance frameworks covering vehicles, drivers, licensing and operating standards.
- Taking commercial accountability for direct supplier costs running into tens of millions, alongside the wider operations budget.
- Driving improvements in utilisation, partner costs, interchange, feeder networks and on-tour delivery efficiency.
- Ensuring the operation has strong disruption and crisis management capability.
- Leading the technology and systems modernisation of operations, covering planning, scheduling, telematics, partner/driver communications and management information.
- Developing the management team beneath you, so the operation runs well without you in the detail.
- This is not a hands-on operations job. The day-to-day is delivered by the team, and our partners run their own vehicles and drivers.
We are looking for:
- Senior leadership experience within coach, passenger transport, touring, logistics or a closely related operational sector.
- A strong understanding of fleets, drivers, networks and the operational realities of transporting people.
- A proven track record of leading operational transformation and technology-enabled change.
- Strong commercial experience, including supplier management, contracting and negotiation.
- Experience managing significant operational costs and budgets.
- Experience creating robust governance, safety and compliance frameworks, set and assured across a partner network we do not own.
- A genuine track record of developing managers and creating sustainable operational capability.
- A direct, resilient and low-ego leadership style, with the ability to challenge constructively and take accountability for outcomes delivered through others.
Package
- Six-figure base salary, discussed on application.
- Bonus potential.
- Generous 30 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Private healthcare for self and family.
- Salary sacrifice EV Scheme.
- Based at the Group's Yorkshire head office, with regular travel to operator partners.
Operations Director in Sheffield employer: C&M Travel Recruitment
C&M Travel Recruitment is an exceptional employer that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering the opportunity to work remotely while leading a dedicated team. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive culture, you will thrive in an environment that encourages excellence in service delivery. Join us to be part of a friendly, independent team where your expertise in business travel consultancy and Amadeus will be truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Sheffield
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like C&M Travel Recruitment.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by C&M Travel Recruitment. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at C&M Travel Recruitment, 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!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at C&M Travel Recruitment and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into C&M Travel Recruitment. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at C&M Travel Recruitment
✨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.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at C&M Travel Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to C&M Travel Recruitment.
