At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial performance and improve passenger journeys with innovative strategies.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK bus operator embracing cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, discounts, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles and strong data analysis skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About First Bus
Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting‑edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
Location: York or Aberdeen based (with regular travel)
About the Role
We’re looking for a commercially driven and analytical Commercial Manager to join our Regional Bus team. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive commercial performance and customer proposition within Regional Bus at a defined market level, translating strategy into tangible commercial results. The Commercial Manager contributes to commercial plans, leading the delivery of these within local markets. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, the role owns day‑to‑day commercial execution, working closely with Service Delivery teams, Network colleagues and Centres of Excellence to improve revenue, passenger volumes and route performance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Drive Commercial Performance: own and manage performance across routes, depots, or corridors—focusing on revenue, passenger volumes, and yield.
- Analyse trends, identify risks and opportunities, and lead performance reviews.
- Deliver targeted commercial interventions to improve results.
- Provide accurate inputs into budgets and forecasts.
- Identify new revenue opportunities across markets and partnerships.
- Lead the delivery of local market plans and ensure measurable results.
- Work with specialist teams to implement initiatives and overcome challenges.
- Manage and evaluate trials and pilots to grow demand and revenue.
- Collaborate with Network Planning teams on route performance and optimisation.
- Implement local pricing and ticketing initiatives.
- Help shape and communicate customer propositions using insight and data.
- Act as a key commercial partner to Service Delivery teams, supporting delivery of partnership schemes, bids, and contract renewals.
- Represent the business in discussions with local stakeholders and authorities.
Supporting Network & Pricing Strategy
- Collaborate with Network Planning teams on route performance and optimisation.
- Implement local pricing and ticketing initiatives.
- Help shape and communicate customer propositions using insight and data.
Stakeholder & Operational Collaboration
- Act as a key commercial partner to Service Delivery teams.
- Support delivery of partnership schemes, bids, and contract renewals.
- Represent the business in discussions with local stakeholders and authorities.
Governance & Best Practice
- Ensure compliance with commercial processes and governance.
- Maintain clear records and elevate risks where needed.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a commercial, analytical, or performance-focused role within a large-complex organisation.
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
- Experience supporting budgets, forecasts, or reporting.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
- Strong organisational skills and confidence to challenge and escalate when needed.
Rewards
- Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost.
- Cash‑back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
- 24‑hour, 365‑day mental health support via EAP.
- Platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets.
- Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and opportunity 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.
We are always looking for skilled and talented people to join us across our sixty plus depots from Aberdeen to Truro.
Commercial Manager employer: First Bus Central Services
First Bus is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and sustainability in public transport, making it a fantastic place for a Commercial Manager to thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer comprehensive benefits including mental health support, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Join us in York or Aberdeen and be part of a team that is shaping the future of transport while enjoying a rewarding career with ample development opportunities.
Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
