At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional revenue performance and develop market strategies for sustainable growth.
- Company: First Bus, a leading public transport provider with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary plus up to 30% annual bonus and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ 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 employer: First Bus Central Services
As a leading employer in the public transport sector, First Bus offers a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to extensive training and development opportunities while working in a hybrid role based in either Glasgow or York. Our inclusive culture values diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our mission of enhancing regional revenue performance and passenger experience.
Contact Details:
First Bus Central Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial
✨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 thoroughly, 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
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive revenue performance in previous roles. Bring along any relevant case studies or examples that highlight your ability to turn insights into actionable strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial
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 key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical background, be sure to include examples of your budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis experience. We love seeing how you've turned data into actionable insights!
Highlight Stakeholder Management:Demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and negotiate effectively. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve commercial goals, as this is crucial for us.
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 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 the Head of Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of revenue performance metrics. Brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive insights and recommendations 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 Skills
This role requires strong leadership in a multi-site structure. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, developed commercial capabilities, and made strategic decisions in complex environments. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills and ability to balance short- and long-term goals. Think about past experiences where you had to make trade-offs between stakeholder needs and commercial returns, and be ready to share those stories.
