At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic operations team to ensure safe and punctual bus services.
- Company: First Bus, a forward-thinking UK bus operator committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, flexible working, and discounts on travel.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public transport while fostering a culture of excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Overview
First Bus is a leading UK bus operator.
We are forward-thinking and invest in modern bus technology and sustainable, comfortable, and efficient passenger journeys.
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 and will champion a customer‑centric culture to deliver excellent customer experiences while leading a governance agenda that supports compliance with legislation and policy.
The role involves developing a high‑performing operations team and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Ensure cost efficient delivery of a safe, punctual service
- Dynamically analyse and manage information, systems and data to drive continuous improvement of service performance
- Drive engagement with drivers, management team, and customers
- Foster collaboration between operational and engineering teams to ensure a consistent customer experience
- Manage Service Delivery team across all assigned depots in accordance with First Group policies, SOPs and relevant legislation
- Deliver agreed plans and budgets, including levels of service and service quality
- Ensure staff planning at the depot meets operating requirements
- Maintain effective relationships with recognised trade union representatives and officials
- Manage and plan collision reduction and staff/passenger injury reduction
- Manage and deliver agreed key performance indicators
- Manage people: development, absence management and compliance
- Maintain positive working relationships between operations, commercial and engineering functions
- Liaise with external bodies to improve performance of lost miles and punctuality
- Ensure cash handling procedures are followed
- Act as the Transport Manager for the company as defined by the Traffic Commissioner
Skills and Qualifications
- Proven leadership skills with ability to provide strategic and day‑to‑day direction in a unionised environment
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills
- Excellent customer service focus
- Team builder and driver of high‑performance teams
- Certificate of Professional Competence in Passenger Transport (desirable)
- A willingness to study for CPC is essential
- Passion for safety and driving to deliver a high performing safety culture
- Budgetary and financial experience with ability to analyse data and communicate results clearly
- Ability to endorse commitment to set long/short‑term objectives
- Mentoring/coaching skills to progress business deliverables
- Self‑reliant and clear communicator who can promote the customer‑facing business positively
- Aptitude to build and maintain stakeholder relations and to lead multi‑site operations
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: £55,000 plus up to 15% annual bonus
- £4,000 Transport Manager supplement
- Health benefits: Simply Health & Smart Health for you and dependents
- EAP with 24/7 mental health support
- Financial wellbeing: discounts platform on high street brands
- Discounted rail travel for you and your family after 6 months, and a free bus pass
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme and opportunity to buy discounted First Group shares
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Flexible working
- Equal Opportunities
Public transport serves everyone.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
We operate at sixty plus depots and value diverse thinking that benefits our customers, communities, and colleagues.
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Operations Manager in Chelmsford employer: First Essex Buses Ltd
First Bus is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Chelmsford depot where innovation and customer-centric values thrive. With competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and a commitment to employee growth through mentoring and flexible working arrangements, we empower our Operations Managers to lead high-performing teams while ensuring a safe and efficient service. Join us in shaping the future of public transport and enjoy unique perks like discounted rail travel and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Chelmsford
✨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.
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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
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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 Essex Buses Ltd. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at First Essex Buses Ltd, 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 Essex Buses Ltd 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 Essex Buses Ltd. 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 Essex Buses Ltd
✨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 Essex Buses Ltd.
✨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 Essex Buses Ltd.
