Head of Operations

Job Description

Were looking for a dynamic Head of Operations, who will help us drive our business forward and provide our customers with a brilliant experience!Joining us at an exciting time, youll coach, develop and inspire everyone in your team to perform at their best, every day. Youll lead by example and always put safety firstBy doing this, you will be helping to make First Bus a fantastic place to work!As Head of Operations for South and West Wales, you will be responsible for all aspects of operational performance in the Operating Company (OpCo), including cost efficient delivery of a safe, punctual and reliable service across all operatingdepots.Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead the 6 depot teams to deliver high standards of customer satisfaction across our network.Welcome to FirstBusHello. FirstBus is one of the countrys largest busoperators - taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. Were a forward-lookingbusinessat the forefront of bustechnology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and real timeinformation. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future. Its an exciting time to be here.What will you be doing

• Leading the strategic direction of the OpCo and fulfilling all legal responsibilities
• Be accountable for forecasting and delivering operational related costs, within budgeting guidelines and processes
• Establishing and developing an engaged and talented operational team
• Leading the Recruitment and Training function, to ensure teams are competently trained and agreed establishment requirements are met
• Alongside commercial colleagues, ensuring that revenue collection systems are robust and that fare evasion is minimised
• Managing teams responsible for specific and prevailing contracts for third parties; ensuring contract adherence and ongoing positive stakeholder management
• Ensuring participation in the proactive management of trade union relationships, including negotiation with trade unions on behalf of operations employees
• Alongside the Engineering team, ensuring positive and proactive relationships are maintained between Operations and Engineering
• Maximising the effectiveness of colleague and customer engagement, using all available channels, teams, marketing and technology
• Ensuring that controls are in place to manage and mitigate risk, providing assurance of compliance to the Operating Company Directors

What are we looking for

• Strong track record as a credible, operational leader within the service sector
• Demonstrable record of achievements showing delivery of major change or sustained improvement in an operational environment
• A team player, wholly committed to working with and supporting their peer group and other colleagues to achieve the First Bus Business Strategy
• Strong analytical insight and financial literacy skills, to quickly assess viability of business opportunities, with a "can-do" attitude to solving issues
• Extensive knowledge of all relevant legislation: including health, safety and environment, with a good awareness of and practical experience in lean tools and techniques
• Able to work in a complex operating environment and able to lead and influence the wider business ensuring there is buy-in to a shared operational and customer vision to deliver transformational change, whilst staying within a divisional governance framework
• Able to challenge the status quo and influence thinking of experienced colleagues resistant to change
• A confident communicator and inspirational leader, able to effectively engage with and influence customers and colleagues at all levels of the business
• Results-driven and strategically focussed, with a strong ability to get into the detail when necessary
• Understanding of risk management with willingness to push boundaries and take calculated risks, to deliver long term strategic goals
• Bus experience is not a pre-requisite, but an appreciation of the key challenges facing the public transport sector and its customers is essential

What can we offer you

• Competitive salary of £55k - £60k
• 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Hybrid working and flexible working hours
• First My Rewards - Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service - travel as far as London/Edinburgh for £6!
• Free bus pass for you and a significant other on joining
• First Xclusives - Discounts on many high street brands, supermarkets, holidays and cinema tickets, to name a few
• Cycle 2 work scheme
• Shares scheme - chance to buy shares in first bus
• Generous pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strains of work, or life outside it. Youll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to ourconfidential Employee Assistance Programme.Apply Now! We look forward to receiving you application.Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bringso many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.