Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Southampton

Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape the future of our coaching business across multiple sites.
  • Company: Join East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, making a difference in communities.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, development opportunities, and a supportive leadership team.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Drive growth and operational excellence while leading a diverse coaching operation.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in operations and strong commercial acumen required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Location: Multi-site (East Yorkshire & wider region)

Full-time, permanent

Lead, grow and shape the future of our coaching business at East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group. We’re proud to deliver high-quality, reliable transport services that connect communities and support local economies.

This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of a growing operation, driving commercial performance, operational excellence and a strong people-focused culture.

About the role

Reporting to the Managing Director, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across the coaching division, ensuring high standards of safety, service delivery, and performance. You will lead a team of General Managers, working across multiple sites to:

  • Deliver sustainable growth
  • Drive operational efficiency
  • Create a consistent, high-quality customer experience

What you’ll be responsible for

  • Leading and developing a multi-site coaching operation across six business units
  • Driving commercial performance, including revenue growth, margin delivery, and cost control
  • Ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations across all locations
  • Building capability and accountability within site leadership teams
  • Identifying and delivering growth opportunities, including contracts, private hire, and partnerships
  • Overseeing fleet utilisation, resource planning and operational delivery
  • Leading employee engagement, communication and culture across dispersed teams
  • Acting as a senior representative with clients, stakeholders, and local authorities

What we’re looking for

This role will suit an experienced leader with a strong track record in operational leadership and commercial performance. You will bring:

  • Proven experience leading regional or operations across more than one site
  • Strong commercial and financial acumen
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
  • Experience developing high-performing teams
  • Confidence managing stakeholders and external partners

Experience:

  • Experience in the coach sector
  • Significant experience in an operational leadership role
  • Experience managing budgets, performance and growth
  • Strong people leadership experience across dispersed teams
  • Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g. PSV operations)
  • CPC qualification (or willingness to work towards)

Why join us?

  • Be part of a business that makes a real difference to communities
  • Lead a diverse and growing coaching operation
  • Join a supportive and ambitious senior leadership team
  • Opportunity to shape the future of the division and drive growth
  • Access to development opportunities across the Go-Ahead Group

Our commitment to inclusion

At East Yorkshire Buses, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Apply now

If you’re ready to take on a senior leadership role where you can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Southampton employer: East Yorkshire Buses

At East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values community impact and employee development. Our supportive and ambitious work culture fosters growth opportunities for leaders in the coaching sector, allowing you to shape the future of our operations while enjoying a diverse and inclusive environment. Join us to lead a dedicated team across multiple sites, driving operational excellence and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

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Contact Details:

East Yorkshire Buses Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the coaching and transport sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to make new contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your leadership style. This will help you showcase how you can drive operational excellence and foster a people-focused culture.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in operational leadership and commercial performance makes you the perfect fit for the Head of Coaching role. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver growth and efficiency.

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 genuinely interested in joining our team at East Yorkshire Buses and making a difference in the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Southampton

Operational Leadership
Commercial Performance Management
Team Development
Stakeholder Management
Budget Management
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
CPC Qualification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership and commercial performance. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Area General Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your approach to leading teams across multiple sites. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and fostered a strong culture, as this is key for the Head of Coaching role.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention your experience in the coach sector and any relevant qualifications, like your CPC. We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of the industry, so make it clear how your background fits the bill.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at East Yorkshire Buses

Know Your Numbers

As a candidate for the Area General Manager role, you should be prepared to discuss key financial metrics and operational performance indicators. Brush up on your commercial acumen and be ready to share examples of how you've driven revenue growth and managed budgets in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

This position requires strong people leadership skills, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to develop high-performing teams. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and fostering a positive culture across multiple sites.

Understand the Coaching Sector

Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the coaching industry. Be ready to discuss how you would approach operational efficiency and customer experience in this context, as well as any relevant regulatory knowledge you possess.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since you'll be acting as a senior representative with clients and local authorities, practice articulating your stakeholder management strategies. Think about how you can build relationships and communicate effectively with various partners to drive growth opportunities.