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- Tasks: Lead the mobilisation of new public transport services, ensuring timelines and compliance are met.
- Company: First Bus is a leading bus operator, innovating in technology and sustainability for a low-carbon future.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, discounted travel, flexible working, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving innovation and quality in public transport while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale mobilisation, project management qualifications, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Title – Mobilisation Manager Contract Type – Full-Time, Permanent About Us First Bus is one of the country\’s largest bus operators – taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. We\’re a forward-looking business at the forefront of bus technology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and real time information. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future. It\’s an exciting time to be here. About the role The Mobilisation Manager is a senior leader responsible for delivering end-to-end mobilisation of new or transitioning public transport services. As the main client contact, they ensure all activities meet timelines, scope, and compliance requirements. Primarily site-based with regular travel, the role involves hands-on leadership to ensure readiness and successful execution, including the critical Go-Live weekend. This role will coordinate internal teams, stakeholders, and delivery partners to ensure operational, safety, and commercial objectives are met. This high-profile role is key to launching new contracts and driving long-term success, promoting quality, innovation, and alignment with First Bus values and client expectations. Accountabilities Manage the mobilisation programme plan, ensuring alignment with commercial, operational, and safety objectives. Support and coordinate with individual workstream leads to ensure delivery across all areas of the mobilisation (e.g. HR, fleet, systems, depot readiness, customer service). Provide visible, effective leadership to the cross-functional mobilisation team, creating a high-performance culture and clear accountability. Act as the senior point of contact for the client and key external stakeholders, ensuring open, transparent, and solution-focused communication. Ensure full compliance with contractual Conditions Precedent, regulatory obligations, and internal governance frameworks. Provide accurate and timely reporting to internal stakeholders and clients, including progress updates, risk escalations, and milestone tracking. Support the bidding and mobilisation planning process for new contract opportunities. Identify and promote innovation, service improvements, and opportunities for business growth during mobilisation and early operational phases. Ensure mobilisation delivery is aligned with approved budgets, commercial commitments, and profitability targets. About you Proven experience in leading large-scale mobilisation or service transition programmes, ideally within public transport, franchising, or other regulated environments. Relevant project and programme management qualifications or training Demonstrated success in delivering mobilisation programmes that meet contract milestones, achieve operational readiness, and ensure compliance with client and regulatory requirements. Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing and motivating high-performing, cross-functional teams in time-critical settings. Understanding of TUPE, union engagement, workforce onboarding, and the operational mobilisation of frontline staff. Commercially astute with strong financial awareness and the ability to assess business viability, risks, and commercial obligations. Skilled at engaging and influencing a broad range of stakeholders, including public authorities, government agencies, client representatives, and senior internal stakeholders. 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 advise. 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 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\’ll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application. 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.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15
Mobilisation Manager employer: First Bus
Contact Detail:
First Bus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the public transport sector, especially in relation to mobilisation and service transition. Understanding the specific challenges and regulations in this field will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with First Bus's objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public transport industry, particularly those who have experience in mobilisation roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and make connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in high-pressure situations. Be ready to provide examples of how you've motivated teams and ensured compliance with safety and operational standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Research First Bus's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to innovation and sustainability. Being knowledgeable about their current goals will allow you to tailor your conversation and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading large-scale mobilisation or service transition programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in meeting contract milestones and achieving operational readiness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role of Mobilisation Manager at First Bus. Discuss how your leadership skills and project management qualifications align with the company's objectives and values.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Emphasise your ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with clients, public authorities, and internal teams in previous roles.
Showcase Innovation and Improvement: Mention any past experiences where you identified and promoted innovation or service improvements during mobilisation phases. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and alignment with First Bus's commitment to quality and innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Mobilisation Manager does. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as managing the mobilisation programme plan and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led cross-functional teams, especially in time-critical settings, to achieve operational readiness.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the role's emphasis on engaging with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and influenced different parties in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with public authorities or client representatives.
✨Highlight Your Commercial Acumen
The role requires a strong understanding of financial awareness and business viability. Be prepared to discuss how you've assessed risks and commercial obligations in past projects, and how this knowledge can benefit First Bus.
