At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to ensure top-notch bus operations and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leader in innovative public transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in customer-focused operations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About First Bus
Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a General Manager to join our Rochdale depot on a full-time permanent basis. The successful candidate will be accountable for the end-to-end performance of the depot, ensuring safe, compliant, customer-focused and financially sustainable operations. The role has full responsibility for operational delivery, engineering performance, people leadership and commercial outcomes at depot level, and plays a key role in delivering franchising and contract commitments.
- Operational & Service Delivery
- Lead the delivery of all operational and service performance targets for your depot, ensuring franchise and contract commitments are met or exceeded.
- Safety, Compliance & Engineering
- Ensure punctual, reliable and high-quality service delivery, minimising lost mileage and disruption.
- Maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders (e.g. Transport Authorities), acting as the senior local point of contact.
- Hold accountability for safety performance across the depot, embedding a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with all statutory, regulatory and company standards.
- Ensure robust safe systems of work, SOPs and injury prevention practices are in place and actively managed.
- Oversee engineering performance in collaboration with engineering leadership, ensuring vehicle availability, compliance and cost control.
- Ensure all depot operations meet legal, regulatory and licence requirements.
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Deliver depot performance in line with agreed budgets, cost targets and EBIT.
- Maintain effective financial control, forecasting and reporting, ensuring compliance with company accounting and audit requirements.
- Drive cost efficiency initiatives while maintaining service quality and safety.
- Support the mobilisation of new contracts or service changes where required.
- People Leadership & Culture
- Provide strong, visible leadership to all depot colleagues, setting clear expectations and role-modelling First values.
- Lead and develop the depot management team, ensuring performance objectives, reviews and development plans are in place.
- Ensure effective workforce planning to meet service requirements.
- Manage employee and industrial relations constructively within a unionised environment.
- Drive engagement, inclusion and wellbeing, creating a positive and accountable culture.
- Continuous Improvement & SLT Collaboration
- Deliver short- and long-term depot improvement plans aligned to wider business objectives.
- Actively contribute to regional and functional leadership forums.
- Work closely with SLT colleagues across Operations, Engineering, Commercial and Performance functions to drive consistency, learning and improvement.
- Support franchising readiness and performance reporting, recognising that client priorities and metrics may vary.
Skills/Experience
- Proven senior management and leadership experience in a complex, customer-facing operational environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering performance against challenging financial and service targets.
- Demonstrable experience of leading and developing management teams.
- Experience managing industrial and employee relations in a unionised setting.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with external clients or authorities.
- High level of financial literacy and confidence working with operational, engineering and financial data.
- Ability to work collaboratively across functions and influence at senior levels.
Desirable
- Experience within the transport or regulated services sector (ideally bus or rail).
- CPC in Road Transport Operations (or willingness to obtain) to act as O-Licence Traffic Manager.
Salary - competitive, plus up to 15% annual bonus
Rewards
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. Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares. Enhanced maternity / paternity pay. Flexible working.
Equal Opportunities
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.
General Manager in Rochdale employer: First Bus
First Bus is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package including health support, discounted travel, and flexible working options. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, empowering you to lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality public transport services while making a positive impact on the community in Rochdale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Rochdale
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like First Bus.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by First Bus. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at First Bus, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at First Bus and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into First Bus. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at First Bus.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to First Bus.
