Operations Manager in Chelmsford
First Bus Chelmsford About the role
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Chelmsford depot on a full time permanent basis. Reporting to the General Manager, the Operations Manager is accountable for all aspects of operational performance for the depot. As a champion of our customers, the successful candidate will build and maintain a customer centric culture. You will support your team in delivering excellent customer experiences, while leading a governance agenda that supports legislative and policy compliance. Through your leadership, the Operations Manager will establish and develop an engaged, talented and high performing operations team, nurturing an innovative and continuous improvement culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure cost efficient delivery of a safe, punctual service.
- Dynamically analyse and manage information, systems and data both retrospectively and proactively to ensure continuous improvement of service performance.
- Drive engagement with drivers, management team, and customers.
- Ensure collaboration between operational and engineering team members, fostering excellent working relationships between drivers and Supervisors to ensure a consistent customer experience.
- Manage Service delivery team across all assigned depots in accordance with FirstGroup policies, standard operating procedures and all relevant legislation.
- Deliver agreed plans and budgets, including established level of service and service quality.
- Ensure staff planning at the depot meets the operating requirements of the business.
- Ensure an effective working relationship with recognised trade union representatives and officials.
- Manage and plan collision reduction and staff/passenger injury reduction.
- Manage and deliver agreed key performance indicators.
- Effectively manage the teams in all areas of people management; development, absence management and compliance.
- Ensure positive working relationships are maintained between operations, commercial and engineering functions.
- Liaise with external bodies to improve performance of lost miles and punctuality.
- Ensure all cash handling procedures are followed.
- Act as the ‘Transport Manager’ for the company as defined by the Traffic Commissioner.
Skills/Experience
- Proven leadership skills are essential to provide strategic and day to day direction to your team and be an effective manager of collective relationships in a unionised environment.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
- Team builder and driver of high-performance teams.
- Certificate of Professional Competence in Passenger Transport would be desirable.
- A willingness to study for CPC is essential.
- Passion for safety and driving to deliver a high performing safety behavioural culture.
- Budgetary and financial experience with a capability in logical system analysis to communicate results in formats comprehensible to all disciplines.
- Ability in endorsing commitment to set long/short-term objectives.
- Mentoring/coaching skills in the progression of the deliverables of the business.
- Self-reliant and straightforward communicator with skill sets to promote the customer facing business, in a positive light with the capacity to inspire in a structured and encouraging way.
- Aptitude to build and maintain stakeholder relations, indicative of a professional leader.
- Capacity to manage and commute between multi-site operations, providing cover when required.
Salary - £55,000 plus up to 15% annual bonus.
Your tasks
Lead a dynamic team to ensure top-notch operational performance and customer satisfaction.
Your profile
Proven leadership skills and a passion for safety are essential.
What's also included
Competitive salary of £55,000 plus up to 15% annual bonus.
Tech stack & ways of working
Operations Manager in Chelmsford employer: First Bus
First Bus is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee health and well-being. With comprehensive benefits such as mental health support and discounted travel, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The Norwich & Kings Lynn depots provide unique opportunities for growth and development within a dynamic team environment, making it a rewarding place to build a career in operations management.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact by fostering a customer-centric culture and driving continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like First Bus and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at First Bus!
Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like First Bus keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy
In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements
When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to First Bus
This is your chance to really connect with the team at First Bus. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications
If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with First Bus.
Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show First Bus that you're a team player!
Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at First Bus. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
Locations
- Chelmsford
