At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our coaching division across multiple sites, driving performance and culture.
- Company: Join East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go-Ahead Group, making a difference in communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, development opportunities, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our coaching operation and drive real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong commercial acumen, and ability to develop high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Multi-site (East Yorkshire & wider region)
Full-time, permanent
Overview
Lead, grow and shape the future of our coaching business. At East Yorkshire Buses, part of the Go‑Ahead Group, we’re proud to deliver high‑quality, reliable transport services that connect communities and support local economies. We’re now looking for a Head of Coaching / Area General Manager to lead our Coaching Division – a senior leadership role with responsibility 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. You will bring:
- 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
At East Yorkshire Buses, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Apply now
If you’re ready to take on a senior leadership role where you can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Langley 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. As an Area General Manager in our Coaching Division, you will lead a dynamic team across multiple sites, fostering a culture of operational excellence and engagement while enjoying access to growth opportunities within a supportive leadership environment. Join us to shape the future of our coaching business and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Langley
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Go Ahead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Go Ahead.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Area General Manager (Coaching Division) in Langley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Go Ahead.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Go Ahead. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Go Ahead
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Go Ahead, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Go Ahead, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Go Ahead could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Go Ahead as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
