At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to deliver safe, punctual, and cost-efficient bus services.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK bus operator embracing innovation.
- Benefits: Health support, discounted travel, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong commitment to diversity and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public transport while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience and a passion for service excellence required.
The predicted salary is between 53800 - 53800 € 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: Overtown & Blantyre Depots
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
Salary: up to £53,800
We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Operations Manager to join our Operations team, supporting our Overtown & Blantyre depots. This is a key leadership role for someone passionate about people, safety, and service excellence, who is ready to help drive cultural and operational change in a complex, unionised environment.
Purpose of the Role
Working closely with the Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading cultural change across our depots, helping us realise our ambition of becoming a truly people‑centric and customer‑focused business. You will support the delivery of safe, punctual, reliable, and cost‑effective services while fostering strong engagement, high performance, and a positive working environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Operations Manager in delivering a safe, punctual, and cost‑efficient service
- Lead and manage teams of people managers across multiple depots
- Drive staff engagement across managers, supervisors, drivers, and customers
- Ensure delivery of agreed KPIs, service quality standards, and budgets
- Promote strong collaboration between operational and engineering teams
- Act as, and support, the Site Responsible Person, ensuring full compliance with governance, legislation, and company policy
- Lead collision reduction initiatives and reduce staff and passenger injuries
- Ensure effective staff planning to meet operational requirements
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with recognised trade union representatives
- Manage all aspects of people management, including development, absence, performance, and compliance
- Liaise with external stakeholders to improve punctuality and reduce lost miles
Skills and Experience
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to provide both strategic and day‑to‑day direction
- Experience working in a unionised environment, managing collective relationships effectively
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills
- A customer‑focused mindset with a passion for service excellence
- A collaborative leader who builds and drives high‑performing teams
- A strong commitment to safety and developing a positive safety culture
- Budgetary and financial management experience, with the ability to analyse and clearly communicate performance data
- Mentoring and coaching capability to support business delivery and people development
- Strong stakeholder management skills and professional credibility
- Ability to manage and travel between multiple sites, providing cover when required
- Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Passenger Transport is desirable; willingness to work towards CPC is essential
Rewards
- Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
- Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
- We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
- Working at First you also receive 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 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.
Assistant Operations Manager employer: First Bus
First Bus is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a range of benefits including comprehensive health support, discounted travel, and flexible working arrangements. With a strong commitment to safety and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to lead change and drive service excellence in a dynamic environment. Join us at our Overtown & Blantyre depots to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity and fosters a positive workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at First Bus. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show us how your passion for service excellence aligns with our mission to deliver safe and efficient journeys.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences managing teams and driving cultural change. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team at First Bus.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering safe and efficient services!
Showcase Your People Skills:Since this role is all about managing teams and driving engagement, don’t forget to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can foster a positive working environment and build strong relationships!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research First Bus thoroughly. Understand their values, recent innovations in bus technology, and their commitment to sustainability. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, or driven cultural change in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of safety in this role, be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a positive safety culture. Share any relevant experiences where you implemented safety initiatives or ensured compliance with regulations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including trade unions and external partners. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and collaborated with different teams to achieve operational goals, as this is crucial for the role.
