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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day bus operations and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Established UK bus operator with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport operations and safety.
- Qualifications: Senior operations experience in transport and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
All candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying.
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 in Slough 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 in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport industry, especially those who might know about the Head of Operations role. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can bring value as a leader. We want you to shine when discussing operational efficiency and safety!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your ability to 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’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to take on the Head of Operations challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. We want to see that you understand the role and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in operations, especially in the bus or transport sector. We love seeing how your skills match our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Operations, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your experience managing teams and driving performance. We want to know how you lead by example!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of bus operations, including compliance with DVSA regulations and Health & Safety standards. Brush up on your knowledge of Drivers’ Hours and Working Time Regulations, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience managing large teams and driving operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations, and how you set standards for performance and safety.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Since you'll be responsible for budgets and KPIs, it’s crucial to show that you understand financial management within an operational context. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or identified revenue opportunities in previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Given the importance of relationships with trade unions and local authorities, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your communication skills and collaborative approach.
