At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional bus commercial performance and drive growth through strategic market plans.
- Company: Join a leading transport company focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 30% annual bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transport sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Commercial – Scotland and York, to join our Commercial team on a full-time permanent basis. This is a hybrid role with frequent travel required. The Head of Commercial for Regional Bus is the single point of accountability for regional commercial performance. Responsible for commercial results and the local customer proposition, they balance customer, financial, and stakeholder outcomes.
The role focuses on executing market plans, working closely with commercial colleagues, First Bus Centres of Excellence, and Regional Leadership Teams to drive performance and growth.
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, to create detailed market plans spanning a short to long-term horizon.
- Work closely with Centre of Excellence partners (such as Network, Marketing, Data & Analytics) 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.
- Working with the Director of Customer Proposition to create detailed market plans, and to align pricing requirements with the national framework.
- Supporting the Heads of Network to maximise route performance, ensuring stakeholder, political and customer requirements are represented.
- Supporting Regional Directors (and their teams) with stakeholder engagement, owning all relationships that support the delivery of commercial objectives.
- Collaborating with the Director of Commercial Delivery and Director of Network on commercial bids and contract renewals.
- Partnering with Service Delivery Directors and their teams to ensure that commercial and operational outcomes are aligned, and contractual commitments delivered.
- Championing new ventures that drive 'off bus' and ancillary revenue.
- Support Regional Directors (and their teams) to navigate complex stakeholder and political environments.
- Successfully negotiate BSIP (and other) funding arrangements with Local and Combined Transport Authorities.
- Ensure proportionate returns from multi-operator schemes, and the delivery of commitments within Enhanced Partnership agreements.
- Develop partnerships with Private Sector companies to increase volumes and/or secure investment in initiatives that could support modal shift.
- Where required (region-dependent), lead the Commercial Management/ Support Team; Develop regional commercial capability and succession.
- Act as the commercial 'go to' for the Regional Director and their leadership team.
- Give focus as much to 'how we do things' as to 'what we do;' Build lasting rapport and engagement with colleagues and partners.
- Ensure consistent application of commercial standards and governance, adhering to the First Bus 'Divisional Authorisation Policy'.
- 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; A confident negotiator.
- Strong understanding of network planning, pricing and bidding processes.
- Resilient and delivery focused.
- Able to deliver performance through influence and collaboration.
Salary - competitive, plus up to 30% annual bonus.
Regional Bus Commercial Lead in Edinburgh employer: First Bus
As a leading employer in the transport sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid role allows for flexibility while providing opportunities for professional growth through comprehensive training and development programmes. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a competitive salary package, including an annual bonus, we are committed to creating a supportive culture where every team member can thrive and contribute to our mission of enhancing regional bus services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Bus Commercial Lead in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meet-ups to connect with people in the bus and transport sector. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in commercial leadership and stakeholder management. Show them how your skills align with their needs, especially in driving regional performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from following up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be your perfect match. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Bus Commercial Lead in Edinburgh
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 stakeholder management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Commercial for Regional Bus.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical background, include specific examples of your budgeting and forecasting experience. We love seeing how you've used data to drive performance and make informed decisions.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:This position is all about working with various teams and stakeholders. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated to achieve commercial objectives, as it shows us you can navigate complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Regional Bus Commercial Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to revenue performance, budgeting, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive commercial decisions in the past.
✨Understand the Local Market
Familiarise yourself with the specific regional challenges and opportunities in Scotland and York. Research local funding schemes and multi-operator arrangements. Showing that you understand the local landscape will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance customer needs with financial outcomes while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making in complex environments. Think of scenarios where you've had to make trade-offs between stakeholder demands and commercial objectives. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
