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- Tasks: Lead safe and reliable bus operations across multiple depots, ensuring high performance.
- Company: FirstGroup plc, a top transport services provider in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 30% annual bonus, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by delivering safe and reliable transport services.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex operations and leading teams in safety-critical environments.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to improving mobility and quality of life.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ per year.
About Us
FirstGroup plc is a leading provider of transport services in the UK and Ireland, and a member of the FTSE 250. Our 30,000 colleagues work across the UK to provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.
About the role
The Senior General Manager leads the delivery of safe, reliable and high-performing bus operations across a complex operating area or cluster of depots. Reporting to a Service Delivery Director, this role provides senior operational leadership across multiple locations, integrating operational and engineering performance while leading service recovery and sustained performance improvement where required. You will oversee depot leadership teams, providing clear direction, coaching and intervention in complex or high-risk environments. The role also acts as a key escalation point for operational, safety and people matters, ensuring consistent standards, strong governance and high-quality customer outcomes across the area.
Key responsibilities
- Own end-to-end service delivery performance across the operating area, ensuring safe, punctual and reliable services across multiple depots.
- Lead recovery and stabilisation in complex or underperforming locations, addressing systemic operational and engineering issues.
- Integrate operational and engineering planning to ensure fleet reliability, compliance and service continuity.
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to depot management teams, strengthening capability and building succession for future operational leaders.
- Use operational and customer insight to identify performance risks, prioritise interventions and drive sustained service improvement.
- Ensure strong governance, safety and regulatory compliance across all operational activity within the area.
- Support delivery of regional operational improvement initiatives and transformation programmes.
- Make operational decisions with a clear understanding of commercial impact, protecting revenue performance, cost efficiency and customer outcomes.
About you
- Senior operational leader with experience managing complex, multi-site operations in safety-critical or regulated environments.
- Proven track record of delivering operational performance and leading recovery or improvement across multiple locations.
- Strong experience working closely with engineering or technical teams to deliver fleet reliability and operational performance.
- Highly capable people leader with experience developing senior managers and building leadership capability.
- Commercially aware, able to balance operational decisions with financial and customer outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, able to use data and insight to drive improvement.
- Resilient and visible leader who builds trust, drives accountability and role models strong leadership behaviours.
- Passionate about delivering safe, reliable services that support customers and local communities.
Salary - Competitive, plus up to 30% annual bonus
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer because we believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, communities and our people. Valuing our differences and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience helps us develop new services, open up new markets and broaden our customer base. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome everyone regardless of social background, gender or gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, sex or age.
Senior General Manager in Glasgow employer: FirstGroup
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior General Manager in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at FirstGroup plc on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research FirstGroup's operations and recent news. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you connect your experience with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges. Highlighting your ability to coach and develop others will resonate well with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at FirstGroup.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior General Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior General Manager. Highlight your experience in managing complex operations and leading teams, as this is what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the job description to show you understand what we need.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for delivering safe and reliable services, and how your leadership style aligns with our values at FirstGroup. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve operational performance. Use data and examples to illustrate how you’ve led recovery efforts or enhanced service delivery in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research FirstGroup plc thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments in the transport sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior General Manager, showcasing your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex situations or improved operational performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you had to recover underperforming operations or manage safety-critical situations, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Show Your Passion for Community Impact
FirstGroup plc values improving quality of life by connecting people and communities. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with this mission and share any relevant experiences where you've made a positive impact on local communities through your leadership.