Head of Operations - Stagecoach Manchester & Merseyside

Competitive salary, bonus and company car.

Based in either Manchester or Merseyside, with travel to all depots.

This pivotal leadership role within the Manchester & Merseyside OpCo reports directly to the Operations Director. You will oversee the day to day running of our bus network, ensuring every route runs safely, reliably and meets the standard our passengers deserve.

• Lead the performance of the bus network across Manchester & Merseyside, ensuring on time running, lost mileage, vehicle availability and service reliability.
• Work within the operational safety management framework, maintain full compliance with DVSA requirements, Traffic Commissioner expectations and drive a genuine safety first culture across every depot and shift.
• Lead a substantial operational workforce, fostering an environment where people are engaged, supported and proud of the service they deliver.
• Oversee workforce planning, driver recruitment, retention, and maintain positive industrial relations with recognised trade unions.
• Drive continuous improvement across all operational functions, identifying inefficiencies, reducing costs, improving processes and leveraging data and technology to lift performance.
• Work closely with the OD and finance team to manage the operational budget and contribute to the annual business planning cycle.
• Make operational decisions with the customer in mind, recovering quickly from disruption, improving driver passenger interactions and enhancing overall service reliability.
• Collaborate with the commercial team to act on customer feedback and raise satisfaction scores across the network.

• Significant operations management experience, ideally within bus, coach, rail or another large scale passenger transport environment.
• Strong track record of managing complex, large depot or multi site operations with responsibility for service delivery, safety, fleet and workforce.
• Sound knowledge of the UK bus regulatory framework, DVSA standards, Traffic Commissioner requirements and Operator Licence obligations.
• Experience managing large operational workforces, including driver recruitment, retention, shift planning and absence management.
• Solid financial acumen, with experience of managing operational budgets and contributing to business planning and efficiency programmes.
• A confident, visible leader who engages authentically with people at every level, from the depot floor to ExCo.
• Experience of building and sustaining positive relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Track record of embedding safety first cultures and continuous improvement disciplines in operational organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working with local authorities, public bodies or regulatory organisations.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive and effective under pressure when operational challenges arise.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age.