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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily bus operations and manage a dynamic team of drivers and supervisors.
- Company: Established UK bus operator with a strong focus on safety and service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transport operations while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior operations experience in transport and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Salary: £70,000 + £350 Car allowance
Location: Heathrow
I’m recruiting for a Head of Operations on behalf of a well-established UK bus operator. This is a senior, depot-based leadership role, reporting directly to the Managing Director, with full responsibility for operational performance, safety, people, and service delivery.
The Role of the Head of Operations
- Lead all day-to-day bus operations
- Manage drivers, supervisors, and traffic/allocations teams
- Own depot performance, compliance, and customer experience
- Drive operational efficiency, reliability, and profitability
- Be a visible, professional leader who sets standards and leads by example
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Operations
- Full accountability for depot and operational staff performance
- Ensure DVSA, operator licence & Health & Safety compliance
- Deliver service levels, budgets, and agreed KPIs
- Plan staffing to meet daily and future operational demand
- Manage HR matters, appraisals, conduct, absence, and training
- Lead driver inductions and ongoing development
- Drive collision reduction, injury prevention, and passenger safety
- Maintain strong relationships with trade unions and local authorities
- Improve punctuality, lost miles, and service performance
- Ensure correct cash handling and reporting procedures
- Identify revenue opportunities (fleet use, contracts, partnerships)
KPI Accountability (Daily)
You’ll ensure your management team delivers:
- Drug & alcohol testing
- Driving licence checks
- Gate checks (run-out & run-back)
- Service monitoring (roadside / ticketer)
- Depot departure punctuality checks
- (All KPIs recorded and reported electronically)
What You’ll Need as the Head of Operations
- Senior operations experience within bus / coach / transport
- Strong knowledge of Drivers’ Hours & Working Time Regulations
- Confident managing large driver teams and depot operations
- Transport Manager CPC (Essential)
- Experience working with trade unions
- IT-literate (Microsoft Office)
- Trapeze & Ticketer knowledge (desirable)
If you are interested in the Head of Operations role, then please apply today.
Head of Operations employer: Holt Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Holt Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at bus operators. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even gets advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can bring value as the Head of Operations. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the solution they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved operational performance. This is your chance to shine and show that you can lead by example.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your senior operations experience and any relevant achievements in bus or transport management. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with managing large teams and your knowledge of compliance regulations. Let us know what makes you stand out!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Operations, leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've led teams, improved performance, or driven operational efficiency. We love to see candidates who can lead by example!
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. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the day-to-day operations of a bus depot. Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) and compliance regulations, especially around DVSA and Health & Safety. This will show that you’re not just a leader but someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you manage large teams. Think of examples where you've successfully led driver inductions or improved team performance. Being a visible leader is crucial, so share how you set standards and motivate your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to operational challenges, such as improving punctuality or managing HR issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your ability to drive operational efficiency.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Discuss your experience working with trade unions and local authorities. Highlight any successful partnerships or negotiations you've been involved in. This shows you can maintain strong relationships, which is vital for the Head of Operations role.
