Operations Manager in Weston-Super-Mare

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Operations team in Weston-Super-Mare. This is a full-time permanent role. Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Operations Manager is accountable for all aspects of operational performance for the depot. As a champion of our customers, the postholder will build and maintain a customer-centric culture. You will support your team in delivering excellent customer experiences, while leading a governance agenda that supports legislative and policy compliance. Through your leadership, the Operations Manager will establish and develop an engaged, talented and high-performing operations team, nurturing an innovative and continuous improvement culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the depot operations team to consistently deliver a safe and reliable service to customers.
• Manage staff and other operational costs within budget.
• Work with the Training function to ensure that operational teams are competently trained, and to achieve agreed establishment requirements.
• Support the Service Performance Team to foster excellent working relationships with drivers, enabling a consistent customer experience.
• Maintain accurate records for all aspects of operational standards and performance.
• Leverage technology, processes and business systems to improve operational performance.
• Proactively manage trade union relationships, including supporting the negotiation of any changes to terms and conditions.
• Represent the business with local stakeholders to enhance the company's reputation.
• Work closely with local partners, ensuring contract adherence to third-party contracts.
• Work collaboratively with engineering colleagues to ensure positive relationships are maintained between the Operations and Engineering teams.
• Ensure that controls are in place to manage and mitigate risk, providing assurance of compliance to the Operating Company Directors.
• Other duties commensurate with the role as may be deemed appropriate by the line manager.

Skills/Experience

• Proven leadership skills and experience to provide strategic and day-to-day direction to the team, ideally gained through travel, retail or hospitality experience.
• Proven experience in managing collective relationships in a highly unionised environment.
• Outstanding customer-centric focus with a strong ethos of delivery.
• A team builder and leader of high performing teams.
• A passion for safety and driving to deliver a high performing safety behavioural culture.
• Budgetary and financial experience with capability to analyse data, making considered recommendations.
• Proven experience in demonstrating coaching and mentoring skills to create and develop strong team ethos and succession planning.
• Ability to work well under pressure maintaining a calm and professional approach.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications, including Outlook, Word & Excel.
• Proficient in the creation of written reports.
• Aptitude to build and maintain stakeholder relations, indicative of a professional leader.
• Flexible approach to work patterns, operating across all days/times reflecting the 24/7 nature of the business.
• Certificate of Professional Competence in Passenger Transport (CPC) would be desirable. A willingness to study for CPC is essential.

Salary - Competitive, plus a bonus of up to 15% cash based on business and personal performance.

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer SimplyHealth & SmartHealth for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cashback 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 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.
• Cyle 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.