At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage bus operations while ensuring top-notch service and team performance.
- Company: Join Hallmark Connections Ltd, a dynamic company at Heathrow.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel for you and your family, plus a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community transport and grow your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and knowledge of transport regulations preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hallmark Connections Ltd, Heathrow Depot, Bedfont Rd, Stanwell TW19 7LZ
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive Salary
Reporting to the Managing Director, the role of Head of Operations will be managing a team of drivers, as well as the Traffic Office / Allocations. You will have overall responsibility to lead and manage all bus operations, and through efficient management of the operation to grow profitability and provide a consistent quality of service to our customers.
You will be accountable for the depot performance in respect of drivers and bus operational staff and managing the customer experience, dealing with any customer service issues that arise. Due to the nature and importance of this role, you will need to be a Team player and you will need to work closely with other members of your team to ensure that daily targets are met. You must lead, promote structure and discipline within the workplace, behave in a professional manner and lead by example. You must treat other employees and staff with dignity and respect as you would expect to be treated yourself.
Responsibilities
- Identify, develop, and deliver incremental revenue opportunities, including optimisation of fleet utilisation, expansion of commercial contracts, ancillary service offerings, and strategic partnerships, to drive sustainable growth alongside core operational performance.
- Accountable for ensuring drivers and operational staff adhere to the Company Health and Safety Policies and regulations.
- Drive engagement with the depot team, including driving staff and customers.
- Manage the operations team in accordance with Rotala's policies, standard operating procedures and all relevant legislation.
- Deliver agreed plans and budgets, including established level of service and service quality.
- Ensure staff planning at the depot meets the operating requirements of the business.
- Ensure an effective working relationship with recognised trade union representatives and officials.
- Manage and plan collision reduction and staff/passenger injury reduction.
- Ensure the effective management of injury prevention.
- Manage and deliver agreed key performance indicators.
- Maintain position working relationships between the company and local authorities.
- Liaise with external bodies to improve performance of lost miles and punctuality.
- Ensure all cash handling procedures are followed.
- Carry out driver appraisals and direct report appraisals and improve staff skills and identify any training needs.
- Conduct all HR related matters when it comes to managing staff.
- Ensure all drivers are inducted effectively.
- Ensure all staff welfare issues are dealt with effectively.
Team Responsibility KPI's
You will be held accountable to ensure that your direct reports meet the following KPIs:
- Ensure random Drug testing is conducted daily - minimum of 2 per week as standard.
- Ensure random Alcohol testing is conducted daily - minimum of 10 per week as standard.
- Ensure Driving Licence checks are conducted daily - minimum of 10 as standard.
- Ensure Gate Checks are conducted daily - minimum of 5 run-out per day and 5 run-back per day as standard.
- Ensure Service Monitoring (roadside and/or ticketer) is conducted daily - minimum of 10 per day as standard.
- Ensure Depot (departure time) Punctuality is conducted daily - minimum of 10 per day as standard.
Team responsibility KPI's (Key Performance Indicators) are compulsory and shall be met on an operational day-to-day basis (Monday to Sunday), the operational day is defined as between the hours of 00:00:00 and 23:59:59. You must work together as a team to complete the KPI's. When all daily KPI's are completed, they are to be scanned together and sent to, "KPI Group", and by no later than 23:59:59 each day.
Hand over Report (Team)
You need to ensure that the Supervisors record all matters arising from the Company's operating activities and forward such information via email to the next on-duty Supervisor and Management Team. This approach will automatically ensure that the next on-duty Supervisor is fully informed thus they are able to continue to monitor and act, as necessary. Verbal communication in respect of a handover report is unacceptable, it must be electronically recorded.
Hours of Work
You are required to work 45 hours per week (Monday to Friday) you may be required to work weekends and anti-social hours as well as statutory holidays. A flexible approach toward working hours is required to ensure effective cover throughout each day of operation.
Health & Safety
Employees are required to comply with all Statutory/Company Health & Safety Policies and Procedures.
Preferred Skills
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of British Domestic Hours Rules and EU Drivers Hours (as defined within the Transport Act 1968 and the Working Time Regulations 1998).
- A basic level of competence in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email).
- A basic level of Competence in the use of Trapeze and Ticketer systems.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
What We Offer...
- A dynamic, supportive team environment.
- Company benefits including: free travel for you and immediate family, company pension.
- The chance to make a real difference in how our communities move.
Apply Today!
If you think you have what it takes to help drive our business forward, we would love to hear from you!
Closing Date for Applications is 15th February 2026.
Head of Operations – Heathrow in London employer: Coach & Bus Week Magazine
Contact Detail:
Coach & Bus Week Magazine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations – Heathrow in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Hallmark Connections. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about times when you’ve successfully managed teams or improved processes. They’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Hallmark Connections.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations – Heathrow in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and operations, and don’t forget to mention any relevant KPIs you've achieved in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this position. Mention your leadership style and how you plan to drive profitability and service quality at Heathrow.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since teamwork is key for this role, make sure to include examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in the past. We want to see that you can lead by example and promote a positive workplace culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coach & Bus Week Magazine
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations of a bus depot. Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) and how they impact profitability and service quality. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also prepared to lead effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples of how you've motivated staff, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership and collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to talk about past challenges you've faced in operations management and how you resolved them. Highlight your approach to customer service issues and how you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to operational excellence.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research Hallmark Connections Ltd and their values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around teamwork and respect in the workplace. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their culture.