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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and ensure safety standards while engaging with customers and suppliers.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking transport company focused on inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, discounted travel, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, project management skills, and customer engagement experience required.
- Other info: Work from home with occasional travel; be part of a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Operations team on a full time permanent basis. This role will be predominately home based however some travel will be required across our South region.
Reporting to the Head of Rail Operations, the Operations Manager will provide a local FTS management presence and operational service to customers. The Operations Manager is the primary point of contact for customers and suppliers within the area of responsibility.
Responsibilities
- Ensure safety standards are maintained at all times during external operational activity
- Have a detailed knowledge of the customer\\\’s SLA
- Support the development of standardised major blockade management plans to include local safe systems of work, traffic management requirements, agreed pick up/set down points and staff and supplier information
- Build strong relationship with key client personnel
- Liaise with external agencies/stakeholders, councils, police, etc. in connection with plans for rail replacement or other FTS operations
- Sense check vehicle diagrams and work with the relevant Diagrammer to ensure they are correct for the block
- Attend Contract Review Meetings and Planning Meetings as required
- Visit coach/bus/taxi operators in accordance with the Supplier Engagement Plan and provide information to ensure database is updated after each visit/contact
- Liaise with internal FTS functions to ensure service delivery requirements are met
- Seek any new business opportunities for FTS within area
- Be flexible in the duties and the area in which you carry them out, which may vary from time to time depending on the needs of the business and your team
- Build strong working relationship with opposite Operations Manager(s) to ensure all aspects of the role are covered, from operator visits to being visible on the ground during major work
- Work collaboratively with our internal teams to feedback and identify process and workflow improvements to improve client satisfaction
- Attend all internal Operations meetings (H&S, Supplier Management, Operations Managers) to embed into the team and be compliant with H&S objectives
- Provide information to the SLT about Operator Standards, Driver Standards, Coach Standards, and customer perceptions of FTS Service Delivery, recommending where improvements can be made to optimise levels of performance
Skills/Experience
- Customer engagement skills and commitment to achieving excellent service delivery
- Project management competency
- Strong manager with effective leadership skills
- Ability to engage and influence others
- Ability to develop and implement disciplined practices and procedures
- Solution finder with the ability to deal with complex information
- Ability to work under pressure Financial and budgetary competency
- Sound understanding of the coach & bus market and conversant with industry legislation
- Event/operations planning and management experience
- IOSH trained – risk assessment/safety management
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 advice. Our EAP provision offers 24/7, 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
- 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.
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.
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Operations Manager employer: First Group
Contact Detail:
First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Operations Manager. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in customer engagement and project management, as these are key skills we're looking for. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and manage operations effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don't forget to mention your understanding of safety standards and operational service delivery, as these are crucial for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your solution-finding abilities. We want to see how you've tackled complex challenges in the past, especially in event or operations planning. This will show us that you can handle the pressures of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Safety Standards
As an Operations Manager, safety is paramount. Brush up on the safety standards relevant to the role and be ready to discuss how you would ensure these are maintained during operations. This shows your commitment to safety and operational excellence.
✨Understand Customer SLAs
Familiarise yourself with the customer’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) before the interview. Being able to articulate how you would support and enhance these agreements will demonstrate your customer engagement skills and your readiness to deliver excellent service.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would build strong relationships with key client personnel and stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged with clients or external agencies, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your project management experience, especially in event or operations planning. Highlight specific projects you've managed, focusing on your problem-solving abilities and how you dealt with complex information under pressure.
