Operations Manager

Job Description

Are you an experienced people manager, passionate and skilled in delivering the very best customer experience for both internal and external customersWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced people leader, who truly puts theircustomers and colleagues at the very centre of what they do and who is not afraid to challenge to status quo in their drive to deliver.Experience in managing a large and mostly remote team is essential in this role, as we continue to make First Oldham a better place to work and ensure that for everyone, your journey is oureverything.This is no job for a beginner - you should be an expert in peoplemanagement and a natural people person - professional, confident and skilled atdeveloping great relationships. You will have what it takes to influence people and support them to delivertheirverybest!Welcome to FirstBusHello. FirstBus is one of the countrys largest busoperators - taking 1.6 million customers to theirdestinations every day. Were a forward-looking business at the forefront of bustechnology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and realtime information. 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.About the roleWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced people leader, who truly puts theircustomers and colleagues at the very centre of what they do and who is not afraid to challenge to status quo in their drive to deliver.Experience in managing a large and mostly remote team is essential in this role, as we continue to make First Oldham a better place to work and ensure that for everyone, your journey is oureverything.This is no job for a beginner - you should be an expert in peoplemanagement and a natural people person - professional, confident and skilled atdeveloping great relationships. You will have what it takes to influence people and support them to delivertheirverybest!Key responsibilities include:

• To ensure customer and colleague experiences are forefront atall times
• To ensure cost efficient delivery of a safe, punctual and reliable service
• Drive engagementwith drivers, management & supervisoryteam and customers
• Ensurecollaboration between operational, engineering and commercial team members, fostering excellent working relationships between drivers and supervisors to ensure consistent customer experience
• To manage operational depot team in accordance withFirst UK Bus policies, standard operating procedures and all relevant legislation
• Dynamically analyse and manage information, systems and data both retrospectively and proactively to ensurecontinuousimprovement of service performance
• To deliver agreed plans and budgets, including established level of service and service quality
• To ensure staff planning at the depot meets the operatingrequirements of the business
• Ensure an effective, productive working relationshipwith recognised trade union representatives and officials, fostering a mutual trust and respect culture
• To plan and manage a programme to continuously improve safety performance
• To effectively manage depot operationalteam in all areas of peoplemanagement, development, succession planning, absence and compliance
• Liaise with external bodies to improve performance on lost mileage and punctuality
• Ensureall cash handling procedures are followed
• Act as the Transport Manager for the company as defined by the Traffic Commissioner
• Act as the lead Site Responsible Person (SRP)

About you

• Proven leadership skills and experience to provide strategic and day-to-day direction to team, ideally gained through travel, retail or hospitalityexperience
• Proven experience in managing collective relationships in a highly unionised environment
• Outstanding customer centric focus with a strong ethos of delivery
• A team builder and leader of high performing teams
• A passion for safety and driving to deliver a high performing safety behavioural culture
• Budgetary and financial experiencewithcapability to analyse data, making consideredrecommendations
• Proven experience in demonstrating coaching and mentoring skills to create and develop strong team ethos and succession planning
• Ability to work well under pressure maintaining a calm and professional approach
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications, including Outlook, Word & Excel
• Proficient in the creation of written reports
• Aptitude to build and maintain stakeholder relations, indicative of a professional leader
• Flexible approach to work patterns, operating across all days/times reflecting the 24/7 nature of the business
• Certificate of Professional Competence in Passenger Transport (CPC) would be desirable. A willingness to study for CPC is essential

Rewards & Benefits

• First Xclusives discount scheme: You and your family & friends can benefit from over 3,000 offers on high street & leisure brands such as: Asda, Sainsburys, ODEON Cinema, B&Q
• Free travel on our buses for you and your family
• £6 all-day train travel for you and your family on Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Avanti, Trans Pennine Express, Hull Trains
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing atFirstBus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. Youll find a range of health-promotioninitiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to ourconfidentialEmployee Assistance Programme.Please apply now. We look forward to receiving you application.Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. AtFirstBus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter whatyour differences are. We aspire to be an inclusiveorganisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bringso many benefits to ourcustomers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.