Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to ensure safe and efficient bus operations.
- Company: Join Go South Coast, an award-winning bus company focused on community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in transport operations and strong safety knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to build relationships and drive performance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced transport environment where safety, performance, and people matter most? Join us and help drive the continued success of a growing, customer‑focused bus and coach company.
About Us: Go South Coast is an award‑winning bus company and part of the wider Go‑Ahead Group. We deliver reliable, safe, and high‑quality bus services to the communities we serve across a wide operating area including Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, Swindon and the Isle of Wight. Due to an internal promotion, we’re now looking for an Operations Director to lead our operations and build on the excellent standard already delivered for our customers.
The Role: As Operations Director, you will have responsibility for the day‑to‑day operational performance of our bus networks. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee depot operations, service delivery, compliance, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire operational teams across multiple depots
- Ensure safe, reliable, and punctual service delivery
- Drive performance against KPIs, budgets, and regulatory standards
- Champion a strong safety culture and compliance framework
- Lead on employee relations and negotiations
- Develop and implement operational strategy aligned with company goals
- Build strong relationships with local authorities and stakeholders
- Lead, coach, and develop operational team
About You: We are seeking a motivated and capable operational leader with significant experience in the bus, coach, or wider transport sector. You will bring:
- Proven senior leadership experience in bus or transport operations
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements
- Demonstrable success in improving performance and efficiency
- Exceptional people leadership and stakeholder management skills
- A strategic mindset with hands‑on operational capability
A Transport Manager CPC (or equivalent) is highly desirable.
Location: BH15 2PR, Poole, Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom
Operations Director – Poole employer: Coach & Bus Week Magazine
Contact Detail:
Coach & Bus Week Magazine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director – Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the transport sector, especially those connected to Go South Coast. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in operational excellence. We want you to show them you're not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams to success in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and drive performance, as this is key for the Operations Director role.
✨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 your enthusiasm for joining our team at Go South Coast.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director – Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in transport operations and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about operational excellence and how your strategic mindset aligns with our goals at Go South Coast. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past roles.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a leader, your ability to inspire and manage teams is crucial. In your application, share stories that illustrate your exceptional people leadership and stakeholder management skills. We want to see how you build strong relationships!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coach & Bus Week Magazine
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operations of Go South Coast. Familiarise yourself with their bus networks, safety protocols, and performance metrics. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can enhance their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire teams, manage employee relations, and drive performance. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully led a team through challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Brush up on the regulatory and safety requirements relevant to the transport sector. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and how you plan to champion a strong safety culture at Go South Coast.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with local authorities and stakeholders in the past. Prepare to share strategies you’ve used to foster collaboration and ensure smooth operations. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to align operational goals with community needs.