At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage bus operations, ensuring quality service and team performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic transport company focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel for you and your family, plus a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how communities move while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and knowledge of transport regulations preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for growth in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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 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
- 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 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.
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.
Head of Operations - Heathrow employer: Coach
Contact Detail:
Coach Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Heathrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills effectively when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Heathrow
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, improving operational efficiency, and any relevant KPIs you've achieved. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, dealt with customer service issues, and driven profitability. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leading a team, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and how you promote structure and discipline. We love team players who can inspire others, so share your approach to team management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coach
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of bus operations and the specific challenges faced at Heathrow. Familiarise yourself with the company's policies, KPIs, and any recent news or changes in the industry. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to take on the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved operational efficiency. Highlight your ability to promote structure and discipline while maintaining a positive work environment.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Focus
Customer experience is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've handled customer service issues in the past and what strategies you've implemented to enhance customer satisfaction. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing a consistent quality of service.
✨Prepare for Health & Safety Questions
Given the importance of health and safety in this position, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance among drivers and operational staff, as well as how you would handle any incidents that may arise.