Operations Graduate

We are a leading provider of passenger transport in North West England. Our business literally drives people, and our team of 1000+ colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We play a key role in delivering franchised bus services across Greater Manchester and are now expanding into the Liverpool City Region. Operating major depots in Manchester, Bolton and Wigan – and soon the Wirral – we connect communities, support local economies and enable more sustainable travel every day.

The Graduate Programme Go North West is part of the Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s leading public transport providers. We’re proud that many of our leaders started as graduates, and we place strong value on the fresh perspectives graduates bring, with development and career progression at the heart of our culture.

We are looking for graduates who like to find innovative solutions to challenging problems, who are resourceful, driven, and curious to discover the evolving transport industry and the opportunities it has to offer. We seek confident individuals who can communicate effectively and transparently with people from all backgrounds while showing ambition and collaboration.

Our 18-month Operations Development Programme offers a range of placements within your local business, giving you hands‑on experience across different areas of operations. You’ll also have opportunities for secondments across the wider Group to broaden your knowledge. The programme is designed to help you discover your strengths, secure a permanent role, and build a long‑term career in transport. As a diverse organisation, we rely on passionate, agile individuals to drive sustainable growth and help create a smarter, healthier future.

What we’re looking for:

• A valid driving licence by the start of employment.
• Interest, and ability, to obtain a PCV licence.
• A 2:2 degree or above in any degree discipline or be expected to receive this.
• Permission to work in the UK.
• Strong technical and operational skills.
• An interest in the industry; extensive knowledge of the industry is not essential, but you must show eagerness to learn.
• The ability to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds to express views, challenge ideas and influence decisions.
• Willingness to travel to take on new challenges in different parts of the business.

What you’ll get out of it:

• Clear and structured pathway to progression.
• Exposure to all areas of our business, and the wider bus industry.
• Free travel on many of Go-Ahead’s services.
• Opportunity to get your PCV (bus) driving licence.
• Institution of Occupational Safety and Health training.
• Opportunity to earn recognised qualifications in transport, such as Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence.
• Dedicated mentor throughout the duration of the programme.

What you can expect to experience:

• Real responsibility and accountability from day one, supported by opportunities to shadow our business leaders and benefit from their experience.
• Managing relationships with customers, colleagues, and our external partners.
• Secondments to other areas of our business to develop your skills and industry knowledge.
• Opportunities to influence and contribute to decision making within an industry leading business.
• Structured learning and development alongside your day‑to‑day role.
• Opportunities to network and share your experiences with your colleagues and peers.
• Zero‑carbon initiatives and innovation.

What behaviours you’ll exhibit:

• Insight & Innovation – Use internal and external information to identify opportunities, think creatively, and generate ideas that drive continuous improvement.
• Strategic & Flexible Thinking – Approach challenges from multiple perspectives, value diverse viewpoints, and adapt thinking to meet evolving business needs.
• Communication & Influence – Communicate clearly and confidently, build strong networks, and constructively challenge to achieve positive outcomes.
• Collaboration & People Development – Foster teamwork, value others’ contributions, and create an environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed.
• Delivery & Accountability – Take ownership, enable action, and deliver measurable results, particularly during periods of change.
• Customer Focus – Anticipate customer needs and ensure the organisation stays ahead in delivering value.