At a Glance
- Tasks: Create efficient bus and driver schedules using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK bus operator focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, discounted travel, 25 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while developing your scheduling skills.
- Qualifications: Analytical mindset with scheduling experience; strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About First Bus
Join one of the UK's leading bus operators – a forward‑thinking company that embraces cutting‑edge bus technology, mobile apps, and environmentally‑friendly vehicles.
We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Scheduler to join our Network team on a full‑time permanent basis.
This hybrid role will be based from our Bristol depot.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating efficient, legally compliant, and cost‑effective bus and driver schedules.
Reporting to a Senior Scheduler, the Scheduler ensures services are deliverable, optimised, and aligned with operational and commercial goals and serves as the first point of contact for trade union relations.
Key Responsibilities
- Duty and
- Roster
Creation: Design and deliver efficient, compliant duties and rosters that align with network plans, operational constraints, driver availability, and trade union agreements, utilising the latest recommended software in First Bus.
- Tactical Scheduling and
- Service
- Change
Support: Support tactical service change delivery, updating duties and rosters in response to timetable changes, operational disruptions, or local authority interventions.
- Resource Forecasting and
- Budgeting
Support: Input into forecasting and budgeting, modelling the resource impact (e. g., drivers, hours, fleet) of planned and potential service changes.
- Regulatory and
- Agreement
Compliance: Ensure compliance with trade union agreements, rest rules, and labour regulations – supporting operational delivery and workforce satisfaction.
- Cross‑Functional
Collaboration: Collaborate cross‑functionally, working closely with Network Planning, Operations and HR to ensure schedules support service quality and delivery goals.
- Supporting
- Driver
Retention: Incorporate driver preferences where possible, supporting retention and wellbeing by shaping duties aligned to known preferences and operational feasibility.
- System Integration and
- Data
Accuracy: Produce outputs for all other systems as required by the business and update them as appropriate including EPM, DAS, Ticketer and BODS, ensuring a high‑quality standard of information is delivered to required deadlines.
- Bid and Tender Support: Assist with the preparation of tender bids for submission, with support from the Network Planner/Planning Manager and Senior Scheduler where required.
- Fleet and EV Scheduling
Adaptation: Support EV and fleet‑specific planning, adapting rosters and duties to accommodate vehicle capabilities, charging infrastructure and maintenance windows.
- Planning Cycle and
- Delivery
Rhythm: Maintain a strong delivery rhythm, ensuring timely schedule production for change cycles and supporting structured planning, review and sign‑off processes.
- Performance Insight and
- Data
Contribution: Provide data inputs and support performance tracking, helping the business understand how schedules impact cost, efficiency and staff availability.
- Leadership Support and
Flexibility: Where appropriate deputise for the Senior Scheduler and take up other responsibilities commensurate with the role as deemed appropriate by the Senior Scheduler/Schedules Manager.
Skills & Experience
- Analytical and Scheduling Expertise: Highly numerate and data‑driven, with experience in the fundamentals of scheduling, optimisation and workforce planning.
- Technical Proficiency: Understanding of scheduling and the Optibus scheduling system is preferred, though not essential.
- Local Operational Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
- Communication and Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in managing union relationships and cross‑functional collaboration.
- EV Scheduling Familiarity: Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.
- Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high‑pressure environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
- Team Collaboration: Ability to work in a team.
- Delivery and Compliance: Ability to meet agreed legislative and internal process time‑scales.
Benefits
- Health: Simply Health & Smart Health with cash back benefits across optical & dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets.
- Travel: Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service and a free bus pass.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Holiday: 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
- Enhanced maternity / paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Equal Opportunities
Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences.
At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are.
We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people.
We welcome applications from all.
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Scheduler in Bristol employer: First Bus Central Services
First Bus Central Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Caledonia depot in Scotland, where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive culture that values cross-functional teamwork and sustainability initiatives. Join us to make a meaningful impact in network planning while enjoying a fulfilling career in the transport sector.
Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scheduler in Bristol
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
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✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like First Bus Central Services.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by First Bus Central Services. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Scheduler in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at First Bus Central Services, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at First Bus Central Services and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into First Bus Central Services. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus Central Services
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at First Bus Central Services.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to First Bus Central Services.
