At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network strategy and compliance, optimising processes for public transport.
- Company: First Bus, a leader in innovative public transport solutions.
- Benefits: Health benefits, discounted travel, 25 days' holiday, and financial perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while driving strategic change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in transport, strong analytical skills, and change management experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Network Strategy, Compliance & Process role at First Bus.
Position Summary
The Head of Network Strategy, Compliance & Process leads the strategic planning, governance, and process optimisation efforts across the Bus Network planning function, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and regulatory standards and market readiness—particularly in the context of franchising and evolving public transport models. Reporting to the Director of Network, they drive integrated planning, performance management, and continuous improvement through effective leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Strategy & Compliance: Develop and execute the network compliance and process strategy to align with corporate objectives and market demands.
- Governance & Reporting: Establish and maintain governance frameworks, SLAs, and compliance protocols while providing clear progress updates to senior leadership.
- Drive Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with operational excellence, engineering, service control, and frontline teams to implement improvement initiatives across the business.
- Use Data to Inform Decisions: Leverage business intelligence and analytics to improve performance monitoring, identify opportunities, and support strategic decision-making.
- Optimise Network Service Changes: Lead the continuous improvement and implementation of the network service change process, ensuring best practice adherence.
- Develop Talent & Culture: Implement skills and competency frameworks, lead coaching, performance management, and succession planning within the Network team.
- Advance Automation & Integration: Collaborate with Data & Analytics teams to improve model functionality through automation and Optibus API integration.
- Support Commercial & Financial Planning: Contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and business case development related to network initiatives.
- Ensure Operational Resilience: Help develop crisis response and contingency plans alongside senior leadership to maintain service continuity during disruptions.
Skills & Experience
- Leadership Experience: Proven success in senior strategic or operational roles within transport or infrastructure organisations.
- Change Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale change programmes and cross-functional initiatives.
- Analytical & Financial Acumen: Strong skills in budgeting, forecasting, commercial evaluation, and data analysis.
- Talent Development: Experience implementing skills frameworks, performance management, and succession planning.
- Team Leadership: Ability to inspire and manage geographically dispersed teams to achieve strategic goals.
- Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Industry Knowledge: Understanding of public transport regulations, franchising, and market dynamics.
- Continuous Improvement: Expertise in Lean Six Sigma, operational excellence, or similar methodologies.
- Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high-pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
- Digital Transformation: Experience in new system implementation is a plus.
- Crisis Management: Experience supporting business continuity and crisis planning in transport contexts.
Health and wellbeing benefits: Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost, including optical & dental cash back, virtual GP, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice; 24/7 EAP for mental health support.
Financial wellbeing: Discounts on high street brands and supermarkets via a benefits platform.
Travel & transport benefits: Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months’ service and a free bus pass; cycle to work scheme.
Other: 25 days' holiday.
Head of Network Strategy, Compliance & Process in London employer: First Bus
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Network Strategy, Compliance & Process in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the transport and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its current projects. Understand their compliance and process strategies, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and have some insightful questions ready to ask them too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your past experiences, highlight specific examples where you led change or improved processes. Use data to back up your achievements—numbers speak volumes and can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨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. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Network Strategy, Compliance & Process in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in network strategy and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leading teams and driving change, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've inspired teams and managed projects successfully.
Be Data-Driven: We’re looking for someone who can leverage data to inform decisions. Include any experience you have with analytics or performance monitoring, and how it has impacted your previous roles.
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 the Head of Network Strategy, Compliance & Process role.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of network strategy, compliance, and process optimisation. Brush up on public transport regulations and franchising models, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss industry trends and how they relate to the role will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading change and managing cross-functional teams. Think about specific projects where you drove improvements or navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead a geographically dispersed team effectively.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Be ready to discuss how you've used data analytics to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've leveraged business intelligence to improve performance or identify opportunities. This will show that you can make data-driven decisions, which is crucial for this position.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Ask about their current challenges in network strategy or how they envision the future of public transport. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.