Operations Manager (Northeast and Yorkshire Regions) in Darlington, Durham, Newcastle

Location: Northeast & Yorkshire

Job type: Permanent, Full Time

Contracted: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (evenings/nights), with additional hours or days as required to meet operational needs.

Salary: £42,000 per annum plus bonus based on performance & Quality KPIs.

Contractual benefit: Car allowance

Benefits: Cycle to work and Smart Tech Salary sacrifice Schemes. Employees have the option to participate in our Smart Tech Salary Sacrifice scheme, allowing them to access the latest technology devices through convenient, tax-efficient deductions directly from their salary (subject to T&Cs). Exclusive discount scheme: You and your family & friends can benefit from over 3,000 offers on high street & leisure brands. Access to company reward & recognition platform.

We are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager at Arriva Northeast and Yorkshire regions, responsible for overseeing contract delivery and service performance across multiple sites. We welcome applications from individuals who bring a positive outlook, a proactive mindset, and the ambition to grow and develop in their career.

The Role:

• As an Operations Manager, you will take full responsibility for the smooth running of our contracted sites, ensuring service excellence, high standards and strong client relationships.
• You will manage staff, monitor quality, and oversee budgets while creating a motivated, positive team culture.
• This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who enjoys building strong client partnerships and driving operational success.
• This role is ideal for candidates with operational management experience gained in manufacturing, industrial services, transport, logistics, or similarly fast-paced service-delivery environments.
• It is predominantly site-based, requiring a strong on-site presence and frequent travel across multiple bus depots in the North East Region.
• The position operates mainly during evenings and nights, so a willingness and ability to work night shifts, while remaining flexible for occasional daytime client meetings, is essential.
• Candidates should also demonstrate a solid understanding of Health & Safety within operational or industrial settings and be comfortable leading teams in hands-on, high-activity environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead daily operations across the contract site, ensuring smooth service delivery and adherence to Sasse standards.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise staff, ensuring the team is motivated, productive, and supported.
• Oversee budgets, ensuring cost efficiency while meeting contractual requirements.
• Monitor staff performance through regular evaluations, audits and inspections, providing feedback and coaching where necessary.
• Manage staff relations, including absence, holidays, disciplinary and grievance processes in coordination with People & Practices department.
• Manage stock control, ordering consumables, and maintaining machinery to ensure resources are always available and fit for purpose.
• Ensure accurate staff documentation, payroll, and rota management.
• Prepare and present regular reports to management and clients, highlighting achievements, challenges, and improvement plans.
• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety policies, risk assessments, and industry regulations, including safe use of equipment and consumables.
• Take a proactive, hands-on approach when required, setting an example of best practice for the team.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the first point of contact for feedback, complaints, or operational issues.
• Attend management meetings and training sessions to continuously develop operational excellence.

Essential Requirements:

• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), digital reporting systems, and operational management software.
• Ability to use mobile and site-based applications for audits, rota management, stock control, and incident reporting.
• Proven experience in managing operations, staff and client relations.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Confidence in written and verbal communication.
• Valid UK driving licence (category B).

What We Offer:

• Access to a rewards gateway platform offering substantial discounts online and in-store with top brands.
• Options to participate in a cycle-to-work scheme through salary sacrifice.
• Employees have the option to participate in our Smart Tech Salary Sacrifice scheme, allowing them to access the latest technology devices through convenient, tax-efficient deductions directly from their salary.
• We value ongoing education and offer opportunities for further training and professional development.
• Car Allowance.

Why Join Sasse?

Sasse is a company that prides itself on being at the forefront of technology and recognising the value of people in our organisation. We value our customers and believe that customers and people should be the focus of everything that we do. If that sounds like you, and you want to be part of a fantastic team with uncapped opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Sasse is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels.