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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to ensure safe and efficient bus operations.
- Company: Join Go South Coast, an award-winning bus company with a focus on community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport while ensuring safety and performance for our communities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in transport operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence? Do you thrive in a fast-paced transport environment where safety, performance, and people matter most? Join us as our next Operations Director and help drive the continued success of a growing, customer-focused bus and coach company.
About Go South Coast
Go South Coast is an award-winning bus company and part of the wider Go-Ahead Group. We deliver reliable, safe, and high-quality bus services to the communities we serve across a wide operating area including Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, Swindon, and the Isle of Wight. Due to an internal promotion, we’re now looking for an Operations Director to lead our operations and build on the excellent standard already delivered for our customers.
About the Role
As Operations Director, you will have responsibility for the day-to-day operational performance of our bus networks. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee depot operations, service delivery, compliance, and team leadership.
- Lead and inspire operational teams across multiple depots
- Ensure safe, reliable, and punctual service delivery
- Drive performance against KPIs, budgets, and regulatory standards
- Champion a strong safety culture and compliance framework
- Lead on employee relations and negotiations
- Develop and implement operational strategy aligned with company goals
- Build strong relationships with local authorities and stakeholders
- Lead, coach, and develop operational team
About You
We are seeking a motivated and capable operational leader with significant experience in the bus, coach, or wider transport sector. You will bring:
- Proven senior leadership experience in bus or transport operations
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements
- Demonstrable success in improving performance and efficiency
- Financial acumen
- Exceptional people leadership and stakeholder management skills
- A strategic mindset with hands-on operational capability
A Transport Manager CPC (or equivalent) is highly desirable. Apply now by submitting your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and vision for operational excellence.
Email: jana.cotterill-clark@gosouthcoast.co.uk
Deadline: Friday 10th April 2026.
Director of Operations employer: Go South Coast Ltd
Contact Detail:
Go South Coast Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and drive performance, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Go South Coast.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in bus or transport operations, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and any relevant achievements that align with operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to outline your vision for operational excellence and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Go South Coast. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your strategic mindset. Talk about how you've successfully implemented operational strategies in the past and how you plan to do the same at Go South Coast. We love a forward-thinker!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Go South Coast!
How to prepare for a job interview at Go South Coast Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Go South Coast's operations. Familiarise yourself with their bus networks, safety protocols, and performance metrics. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can enhance their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Operations Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams in the past, tackled challenges, and improved performance. Be ready to discuss your strategies for fostering a strong safety culture and compliance framework.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Brush up on the regulatory and safety requirements specific to the transport sector. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will help you articulate how you can ensure compliance and drive performance against KPIs, which is vital for the role.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Think about how you would engage with local authorities and stakeholders. In your interview, share your ideas on building strong relationships and how that can benefit Go South Coast. This shows you're already thinking strategically about the role and its impact on the community.