Operations Manager

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Operations team in Weston-Super-Mare. This is a full time permanent role.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Operations Manager is accountable for all aspects of operational performance for the depot. As a champion of our customers, the post holder will build and maintain a customer centric culture.

You will support your team in delivering excellent customer experiences, while leading a governance agenda that support legislative and policy compliance.

Through your leadership, the Operations Manager will establish and develop and engaged, talented and high performing operations team, nurturing an innovative and continuous improvement culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the depot operations team to consistently deliver a safe and reliable service to customers
• Manage staff and other operational costs within budget
• Work with the Training function to ensure that operational teams are competently trained, and to achieve agreed establishment requirements
• Support the Service Performance Team to foster excellent working relationships with drivers, enabling a consistent customer experience
• Maintain accurate records for all aspects of operational standards and performance
• Leverage technology, processes and business systems to improve operational performance
• Proactively manage trade union relationships, including supporting the negotiation of any changes to terms and conditions
• Represent the business with local stakeholders to enhance the company's reputation
• Work closely with local partners, ensuring contract adherence to third party contracts
• Work collaboratively with engineering colleagues to ensure positive relationships are maintained between the Operations and Engineering teams
• Ensure that controls are in place to manage and mitigate risk, providing assurance of compliance to the Operating Company Directors.
• Other duties commensurate with the role as may be deemed appropriate by the line manager

Skills/Experience

• Proven leadership skills and experience to provide strategic and day-to-day direction to team, ideally gained through travel, retail or hospitality experience
• 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 experience with capability to analyse data, making considered recommendations
• 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

Salary - Competitive, plus a bonus of up to 15% cash based on business and personal performance

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.