At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a multi-site coaching operation, driving growth and operational excellence.
- Company: Join East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, making a difference in communities.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive leadership team with development opportunities across the group.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our coaching division and drive impactful growth.
- Qualifications: Proven operational leadership experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, we are proud to deliver high-quality, reliable transport services that connect communities and support local economies. We are looking for a Head of Coaching / Area General Manager to lead our Coaching Division – a senior leadership role responsible for six coaching businesses across the region. This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of a growing operation, driving commercial performance, operational excellence and a strong people-focused culture.
About the role
Reporting to the Managing Director, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across the coaching division, ensuring high standards of safety, service delivery, and performance. You will lead a team of General Managers, working across multiple sites to:
- Deliver sustainable growth
- Drive operational efficiency
- Create a consistent, high-quality customer experience
What you'll be responsible for
- Leading and developing a multi-site coaching operation across six business units
- Driving commercial performance, including revenue growth, margin delivery, and cost control
- Ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations across all locations
- Building capability and accountability within site leadership teams
- Identifying and delivering growth opportunities, including contracts, private hire, and partnerships
- Overseeing fleet utilisation, resource planning and operational delivery
- Leading employee engagement, communication and culture across dispersed teams
- Acting as a senior representative with clients, stakeholders, and local authorities
What we're looking for
This role will suit an experienced leader with a strong track record in operational leadership and commercial performance.
- Proven experience leading regional or operations across more than one site
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery
- Experience developing high‑performing teams
- Confidence managing stakeholders and external partners
Experience
- Experience in the coach sector
- Significant experience in an operational leadership role
- Experience managing budgets, performance and growth
- Strong people leadership experience across dispersed teams
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g. PSV operations)
- CPC qualification (or willingness to work towards)
Why join us?
- Be part of a business that makes a real difference to communities
- Lead a diverse and growing coaching operation
- Join a supportive and ambitious senior leadership team
- Opportunity to shape the future of the division and drive growth
- Access to development opportunities across the Go-Ahead Group
Our commitment to inclusion
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Colchester employer: Go Ahead
At East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values community impact and employee development. Our supportive and ambitious leadership team fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, offering opportunities to shape the future of our coaching division while ensuring a high-quality customer experience across multiple sites. Join us to lead a diverse operation where your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Colchester
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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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Go Ahead, 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 Go Ahead 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 Go Ahead. 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 Go Ahead
✨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 Go Ahead.
✨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 Go Ahead.
