At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional revenue performance and develop market strategies for sustainable growth.
- Company: Join a leading public transport provider committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 30% annual bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 91000 £ per year.
Full time permanent, hybrid role based at Glasgow or York depot with frequent travel required.
Key Responsibilities
- Accountable for all lines of regional revenue performance, covering volumes, yield and ancillary income.
- Deeply understand the levers that drive revenue performance in the local market, from national and local funding and multi‑operator schemes, to on bus passenger performance and ancillary revenue.
- Own the commercial inputs into the regional budgeting and forecasting processes.
- With support from Commercial Analysts, provide detailed trading performance updates to senior leadership, and ensure data becomes insight that translates to recommendations for improvement.
- Tailor the Regional Bus customer proposition to the local audience, creating detailed market plans spanning a short‑to‑long‑term horizon to focus sustainable passenger and performance growth.
- Work closely with Centre of Excellence partners (such as Network, Marketing, Data & Analytics (D&A)) to execute these plans.
- Make informed trade‑offs between stakeholder, customer and shareholder requirements.
- Balance short‑ and long‑term revenue delivery, operational deliverability versus commercial return, and local‑ and national strategy.
- Collaborate with the Director of Customer Proposition, Network heads and regional directors to align pricing, route performance and stakeholder engagement.
- Partner with the Director of Commercial Delivery and Director of Network on commercial bids, contract renewals and new ventures to drive off‑bus and ancillary revenue.
- Support Service Delivery Directors and their teams to align commercial and operational outcomes and deliver contractual commitments.
- Negotiate BSIP and other funding arrangements with Local and Combined Transport Authorities, ensuring proportionate returns from multi‑operator schemes and delivery of commitments.
- Develop partnerships with private sector companies to increase volumes and secure investment in initiatives that support modal shift.
- Lead the Regional Commercial Management/Support Team where required and develop regional commercial capability and succession.
- Ensure consistent application of commercial standards and governance, adhering to the First Bus 'Divisional Authorisation Policy.'
Skills & Experience
- Senior commercial leadership experience in a multi‑site structure.
- Highly analytical, with demonstrable experience in budgeting, forecasting and cost‑benefit analysis.
- Ability to move between horizon‑level planning and intricate, immediate decision‑making.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritise and provide clear direction, and to make progressive and pragmatic decisions in complex environments.
- Solid stakeholder and relationship management; confident negotiator.
- Strong understanding of network planning, pricing and bidding processes.
- Resilient and delivery focused.
- Ability to deliver performance through influence and collaboration.
Salary
Competitive plus up to 30% annual bonus.
Equal Opportunities
Public transport serves everyone, irrespective of differences. First Bus welcomes applications from all and has an inclusive organisation. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Head of Commercial in England employer: First Bus Central Services
As a leading player in the public transport sector, First Bus offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Commercial role, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, up to 30% annual bonus, and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive culture. With depots in both Glasgow and York, this hybrid position allows for flexibility while engaging in meaningful work that impacts local communities and enhances regional revenue performance.
Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills in commercial leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team, and applying directly through us can give you an edge. Plus, you’ll get to see all the exciting opportunities we have available!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial leadership and revenue performance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical background, don’t shy away from sharing examples of your budgeting and forecasting experience. We love seeing how you’ve turned data into actionable insights in previous roles.
Highlight Stakeholder Management:This position involves a lot of collaboration and negotiation, so be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to influence and drive results through teamwork.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus Central Services
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your budgeting and forecasting knowledge, and be ready to discuss specific revenue performance metrics. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the local market dynamics in Scotland and York. Research recent trends in public transport, funding schemes, and passenger performance. Showing that you understand the levers that drive revenue will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing stakeholders. Think about examples where you've successfully influenced others or navigated complex environments. Highlight your ability to balance short- and long-term goals while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role requires working closely with various partners. Be ready to talk about how you've collaborated with different departments in the past. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped align objectives and achieve commercial success.
