Schedules Manager - ML153

Job Summary:

The Schedule Manager is accountable for the end-to-end planning, design, optimisation
and governance of bus schedules and driver rosters, ensuring alignment with
contractual, operational, financial and regulatory requirements.
This role provides strategic leadership to the Schedules function, driving continuous
improvement, digital innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The postholder will
lead a team of Senior Schedule Compilers and Network Planning Analysts while acting
as the primary interface between scheduling, operations, finance, and external
stakeholders (e.g., TfL).

The role also carries ownership of scheduling systems, performance analytics, and cost
optimisation, ensuring the organisation delivers efficient, reliable, and commercially
viable schedules across the network.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of tender, reliability, mitigation, and seasonal schedules,
ensuring alignment with long-term network strategy and contractual requirements
• Translate organisational goals into resource-optimised scheduling plans balancing
cost, service quality and compliance
• Provide strategic insights and scenario modelling to support business decisions,
tenders and network changes
• Provide full line management and leadership of the Schedules team, including
performance management, succession planning, and capability uplift
• Provide robust financial justifications to support tenders, business cases, and
internal approvals
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality and compliance
• Lead the Schedule Systems Controller, ensuring system integrity, performance,
and innovation
• Develop a high-performance culture, embedding continuous improvement and
accountability
• Identify and implement structured training and development programmes aligned
to future skills (analytics, systems, optimisation)
• Lead the analysis of operational and performance data to inform the schedule
team with proposed resource level
• Own the scheduling systems strategy, including system optimisation, upgrades,
and integration with other platforms (e.g., Hastus, driver allocation system,
CitySwift and Flow OS)
• Drive digital transformation initiatives including automation and develop predictive
insights (e.g., reliability trends, peak demand, resource utilisation) using the
relevant software
• Act as the point of contact with stakeholders, including Operations, Garage
Management, Trade Unions, and external partners

• Influence decision-making through data-backed recommendations and
commercial insight
• Ensure full compliance with Domestic & EU Drivers’ Hours Regulations, Working
Time Directive, and union agreements
• Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks, audit processes, and
quality controls
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks
• Maintain strategic understanding of the network, garages, relief points, and
operational constraints
• Ensure schedules are implementable, practical, and aligned with the traffic
condition
• Deputise for Head of Planning & Scheduling, providing leadership continuity and
contributing to departmental strategy

Essential Criteria :

• Extensive experience in bus industry scheduling, with a minimum of 3 years in a
management-level role demonstrating leadership and operational responsibility
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering complex scheduling
programmes
• Strong understanding of TfL tendering, contracts, and operational frameworks
• Demonstrated experience in financial modelling, cost control, and commercial
decision-making
• Experience in using and managing advanced scheduling/planning systems
• Experience of delivery of proposed schedule and communicate with the
stakeholders for the implementation
• An understanding of the Company’s geographical operating area
• An understanding of TfL tender programme and contractual procedures
• An understanding of financial and costing procedures
• Knowledge of Trade Union agreements and relevant Domestic Drivers’ Hours
Regulations and related legislation

Competencies & Skills :

• Excellent written and spoken English with the ability to communicate clearly at
all levels
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments and navigate conflicting
priorities Advanced ability to analyse large datasets and translate into
actionable insights
• Skilled in scenario planning, forecasting, and optimisation techniques
• Advanced proficiency in scheduling and optimisation systems
• Strong digital mindset with experience in system improvement and automation
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to deliver under pressure in high
volume environments
• Excellent organisational skills and attention for detail
• Must be proactive, methodical and results orientated approach to work
• Highly organised, motivated and able to prioritise workload under pressure
• Ability to use initiative and identify solutions when a problem or difficult situation
arises
• Must be able to demonstrate credibility to build professional relationships with
both employees and managers

• Exercises discretion and sound judgement when handling confidential and
sensitive information
• Strong ability to collate, analyse and interpret statistical and operational data to
support decision making
• Confident in influencing and persuading key stakeholders and decision-makers
to achieve desired outcomes
• Must be a team player and willing to develop others to increase team and
individual performance
• Competent in the use of Office365

Hours of Work:

38 hours per week, Monday to Friday

The Equality Act :

Metroline is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected
characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment,
pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.