Operations Manager in Blantyre

Operations Manager in Blantyre

Blantyre Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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First Bus

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead teams to drive operational excellence and foster a high-performing culture.
  • Company: First Glasgow, committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.
  • Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on wellbeing and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior leadership role with growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in operations management and strong people skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead cultural change, drive operational excellence, and create a high-performing, engaged depot environment across First Glasgow. This is a senior leadership role with real impact. You will lead teams across our Blantyre and Overtown depots, ensuring we deliver safe, punctual and reliable services while fostering a culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading and developing high-performing depot leadership teams
  • Delivering safe, punctual and cost-effective operations
  • Driving continuous improvement through proactive performance analysis
  • Owning depot compliance, governance and legislative standards
  • Managing KPIs, budgets and operational performance
  • Building strong relationships with trade union representatives
  • Leading collision and injury reduction plans
  • Ensuring effective workforce planning to meet service delivery needs
  • Acting as the company's nominated Transport Manager (as defined by the Traffic Commissioner)
  • Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to strengthen our presence and reputation

About You

  • Proven experience leading operational teams at scale
  • Strong stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
  • Experience delivering against budgets and performance targets
  • A passion for safety and behavioural culture
  • Excellent people management capability — coaching, development and engagement
  • Commercial awareness and confidence working with operational data
  • The ability to manage multi-site operations and travel as required
  • A CPC in Passenger Transport is desirable, however a willingness to study towards this qualification is essential.

Salary - competitive plus up to 15% annual bonus

Rewards & Benefits

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Holiday buy/sell scheme.
  • Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
  • Flexible working.

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You will find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

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. Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.

Operations Manager in Blantyre employer: First Bus

First Glasgow is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health support, flexible working, and discounted travel. With a strong focus on fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration, employees are encouraged to grow within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful impact in their roles.
First Bus

Contact Detail:

First Bus Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Blantyre

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operations Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and operational excellence.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Blantyre

Leadership Skills
Operational Excellence
Performance Analysis
Compliance Management
KPI Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management
Negotiation Skills
People Management
Coaching and Development
Commercial Awareness
Multi-Site Operations Management
Transport Manager Qualification (CPC in Passenger Transport)
Cultural Change Management
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams, managing budgets, and driving operational excellence. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at First Glasgow!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about safety and cultural change. Share specific examples of how you've fostered high-performing teams in the past. Let your personality come through!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and data to demonstrate how you’ve improved operations or led successful projects. We love seeing numbers that back up your claims!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus

✨Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operations Manager at First Glasgow. Familiarise yourself with their operational goals, safety standards, and performance metrics. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

First Glasgow values continuous improvement, so come ready to share your strategies for driving operational excellence. Discuss any proactive performance analysis you've conducted and how it led to improvements in efficiency or safety. This shows you're not just about maintaining the status quo.

✨Engage with Their Values

Research First Glasgow's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these values as an Operations Manager. Showing that you align with their mission will set you apart from other candidates.

Operations Manager in Blantyre
First Bus
Location: Blantyre
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