At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to deliver safe, efficient bus services while driving cultural change.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK operator embracing innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, discounts, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safety and service excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public transport and shape the future of travel.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in a unionised environment.
The predicted salary is between 53800 - 53800 £ 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.
Location: Overtown & Blantyre Depots | Contract: Full‑time, Permanent | Salary: up to £53,800.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Operations Manager to join our Operations team, supporting our Overtown & Blantyre depots. This is a key leadership role for someone passionate about people, safety and service excellence, who is ready to help drive cultural and operational change in a complex, unionised environment.
Purpose of the Role
Working closely with the Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading cultural change across our depots, helping us realise our ambition of becoming a truly people‑centric and customer‑focused business. You will support the delivery of safe, punctual, reliable and cost‑effective services while fostering strong engagement, high performance and a positive working environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Operations Manager in delivering a safe, punctual and cost‑efficient service.
- Lead and manage teams of people managers across multiple depots.
- Drive staff engagement across managers, supervisors, drivers and customers.
- Ensure delivery of agreed KPIs, service quality standards and budgets.
- Promote strong collaboration between operational and engineering teams.
- Act as, and support, the Site Responsible Person, ensuring full compliance with governance, legislation and company policy.
- Lead collision‑reduction initiatives and reduce staff and passenger injuries.
- Ensure effective staff planning to meet operational requirements.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with recognised trade‑union representatives.
- Manage all aspects of people management, including development, absence, performance and compliance.
- Liaise with external stakeholders to improve punctuality and reduce lost miles.
Skills and Experience
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to provide both strategic and day‑to‑day direction.
- Experience working in a unionised environment, managing collective relationships effectively.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
- Customer‑focused mindset with a passion for service excellence.
- Collaborative leader who builds and drives high‑performing teams.
- Strong commitment to safety and developing a positive safety culture.
- Budgetary and financial management experience, with the ability to analyse and clearly communicate performance data.
- Mentoring and coaching capability to support business delivery and people development.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and professional credibility.
- Ability to manage and travel between multiple sites, providing cover when required.
- Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Passenger Transport is desirable; willingness to work toward CPC is essential.
Rewards
- Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost, including cash‑back benefits across optical & dental, virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
- 24‑hour, 365‑day mental health support via our EAP provision.
- Access to a platform with many discounts on high‑street brands and supermarkets.
- Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service and a free bus pass.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and an option to buy discounted First Group shares.
- Enhanced maternity and 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 and are always looking for skilled and talented people to join us across our sixty‑plus depots from Aberdeen to Truro. Our transformation programme is designed to reshape our business to meet tomorrow’s travel needs.
Assistant Operations Manager employer: First Glasgow 2 Ltd
First Bus is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture that values safety, service excellence, and collaboration. With comprehensive benefits including mental health support, flexible working options, and opportunities for career advancement, employees at the Overtown & Blantyre depots can thrive in a dynamic environment committed to innovation and community connection. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of public transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at First Bus on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show us how your passion for service excellence aligns with First Bus's mission to deliver sustainable and efficient journeys.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven cultural change and managed teams effectively, especially in a unionised environment. We want to hear about your successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at First Bus.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering safe and efficient services!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for people and service excellence. Share specific examples of how you've driven cultural change in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you've improved performance or engagement in past positions. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Glasgow 2 Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research First Bus thoroughly. Understand their values, recent innovations, and how they’re shaping public transport. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in a unionised environment. Highlight your ability to drive engagement and foster a positive culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to manage conflicts or improve service quality. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the focus on safety and compliance in this role, be ready to discuss your commitment to these areas. Share any relevant experiences where you implemented safety initiatives or ensured adherence to regulations, showcasing your dedication to creating a safe working environment.
