Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Full-Time 52194 - 54267 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage transport services ensuring safe travel for children and vulnerable adults.
  • Company: Join Ealing Council, a forward-thinking organisation making a real difference in the community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to equality, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on safeguarding and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact on people's lives while leading a dedicated team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational management and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 52194 - 54267 € per year.

Ealing Council has an exciting new opportunity as Passenger Transport Operations Manager available on a full‑time basis. The All Age Passenger Transport Service plays a vital role in helping residents of all ages access education, care, work, and community life safely and with dignity. We deliver services that reduce inequality, support independence, and enable children, families and adults with additional needs to thrive. Join Ealing and be part of a council that values innovation, collaboration and makes a real day‑to‑day difference to people’s lives.

Salary: £52,194 to £54,267 pa (inclusive). Grade: 12.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the operational delivery of travel assistance services, ensuring children and vulnerable adults are always transported safely and reliably.
  • Support the Head of Passenger Transport with strategic and day‑to‑day service management, deputising when required.
  • Manage Transport Officers, Passenger Assistants and relationships with external providers to ensure high performance, compliance and value for money.
  • Oversee safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments and service continuity across all transport operations.
  • Lead on contract negotiation, monitoring and utilisation, ensuring services meet agreed quality standards and budgets.
  • Resolve complex complaints, safeguarding concerns and operational issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
  • Drive continuous improvement through performance monitoring, audits, staff development and stakeholder engagement.

Skills and Experience

  • Strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
  • Proven ability to manage and supervise staff, supporting both performance and professional development.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to engage confidently with stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage a high‑pressure, demand‑led service, prioritising workloads and meeting conflicting deadlines.
  • Experience of operational problem solving, maintaining service continuity in fast‑changing and adverse situations.
  • Ability to lead, monitor and enforce compliance with policies, procedures and quality standards.
  • Strong negotiation and procurement skills, including managing contracts and provider relationships.
  • High level verbal, written and numerical skills, producing reports and management information.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating sound judgment and initiative.
  • Strong understanding of equality, diversity and customer care principles within service delivery.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

  • Substantial experience working at a senior operational or managerial level.
  • Experience working within a large, diverse team environment.
  • Proven experience of influencing teams and partners to deliver service improvement.
  • Experience using ICT systems to monitor, manage and maintain service data.
  • A level of education demonstrating strong literacy and numeracy skills.

Ealing Council is committed to creating good jobs and delivering on its connected communities’ agenda. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive. All applications will be determined on merit. This position is subject to Ealing’s Enhanced Vetting process.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 26 May 2026. Interview dates: week commencing Monday 8 June 2026.

Operations Manager employer: Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

Ealing Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the community. With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, the council offers a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development opportunities. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, a focus on equality and inclusion, and the chance to contribute to meaningful services that enhance the lives of residents across all ages.

Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

Contact Detail:

Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with current employees at Ealing Council. You never know who might give you the inside scoop or even refer you for the role!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Ealing Council's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission to support independence and reduce inequality.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around safeguarding and operational management. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so think of examples that highlight your ability to handle complex situations.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team at Ealing Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

Safeguarding
Staff Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Operational Problem Solving
Compliance Management
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Operations Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Ealing Council is looking for.

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles. Whether it’s managing a team or resolving complex issues, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in your past positions.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application goes directly to us and is considered promptly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Passenger Transport Operations Manager. Familiarise yourself with Ealing Council's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to discuss how your experience in managing transport services can contribute to their mission of supporting independence and reducing inequality.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and manage staff effectively. Think about times when you've resolved conflicts or improved performance within a team. This will demonstrate your capability to manage Transport Officers and Passenger Assistants while ensuring high standards of service delivery.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated operational challenges or safeguarding concerns. This will show your sound judgment and ability to maintain service continuity under stress.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since communication is key in this role, think of ways you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to discuss your negotiation skills and how you've built relationships with external providers to ensure compliance and value for money. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and commitment to collaboration.