Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily bus operations and manage teams for optimal performance.
- Company: Established UK bus operator with a focus on safety and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transport operations and lead a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Senior operations experience in transport and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a supportive environment.
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role. Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
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 West Drayton 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 West Drayton
✨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 before it’s even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them improve performance and safety. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've managed teams, improved service delivery, or tackled compliance issues. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in West Drayton
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 and safety regulations. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead by example and drive operational efficiency. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance in previous roles.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
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 demonstrate your ability to lead large teams effectively. Think about times when you’ve improved operational efficiency or managed HR matters successfully. Be ready to discuss how you set standards and lead by example.
✨Understand the Company’s Goals
Research the bus operator thoroughly. Understand their current challenges and successes, and think about how you can contribute to their goals. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you align your answers with their objectives.
✨Prepare for KPI Discussions
Since KPIs are a big part of this role, be prepared to discuss how you’ve previously managed and reported on KPIs. Bring specific examples of how you’ve driven performance improvements and what strategies you used to achieve them.
