Commercial Officer / Scheduler

DIAMOND BUS; Bolton; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A major public transport operator based in Bolton is seeking a Commercial Officer / Scheduler for a 12-month fixed term contract. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and IT skills, with a keen interest in the public transport industry. Responsibilities include supporting depot performance, conducting analysis, and collaborating with marketing on various initiatives. This role offers competitive salary and real progression opportunities as part of the growing Bee Network.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunity for career progression

Work at the heart of the Bee Network

Qualifications

• Experience in transport or scheduling would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in data analysis and use of spreadsheets.
• Willingness to begin a career in the bus/public transport industry.

Responsibilities

• Support depot teams to achieve high service performance levels.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses related to business needs.
• Assist in managing commercial contracts and local authority contracts.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team on services and updates.
• Monitor franchise-level performance and identify opportunities.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent attention to detail

Organisational skills

IT skills

Communication skills

Job description

Commercial Officer / Scheduler

Location: Bolton (North West Region)

Contract: 12-month fixed term contract, with possible option to become permanent

Closing date for applications: Friday 19 December 2025

An opportunity to shape the Bee Network and your career in public transport.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Commercial Officer / Scheduler to join Rotala’s North West Commercial team, based at our regional head office in Bolton.

As part of the team overseeing the commercial functions of Diamond Bus North West and Preston Bus, you’ll help shape the quality of our operation and support future growth within the UK bus market.

It’s a great time to join us. We’re one of the first operators of franchised buses in the Bee Network, and were recently awarded “Top Contracted Operator” at the UK Bus Awards. Rotala has ambitious plans to expand operations in the region, opening up real progression opportunities for people who want to build a career in the industry.

This role is ideal for someone with strong analytical, organisational and IT skills, excellent attention to detail, and a genuine interest in the bus / public transport industry.

What you’ll be doing

• Support depot teams to achieve high levels of service performance across both regulated and de-regulated markets.
• Carry out ad hoc analysis to answer key business questions and highlight issues or opportunities we be focusing on.
• Help manage and report on commercial and local authority contracts.
• Work with the Marketing team on timetable and service updates, website information, market research and internal communications.
• Understand the Performance Regime within the Franchise Agreement and support depots in meeting required standards.
• Monitor route- and franchise-level performance, identifying areas of under-performance and providing clear analysis and recommendations.
• Support the wider team in constructing timetables and bus workings for new business opportunities across the UK.
• Produce robust bus and driver schedules in line with legal requirements, company processes and local scheduling agreements.
• Compile compliant rosters and support ongoing timetable and schedule changes in conjunction with the Network and Performance Manager and TfGM.
• Implement temporary diversions and changes for planned and unplanned road closures, working closely with the commercial and operational teams.
• Help solve day-to-day service-related issues and support new initiatives and developments.
• Maintain effective relationships with recognised Trade Union reps and officials.
• Work with the Contract Data Analyst and Operations to ensure timely contractual submissions to TfGM (e.g. AVL data, breach responses, sales data).
• Contribute to bid submissions and broader commercial projects and business development opportunities.

You’ll also be expected to travel across the operating area and occasionally to other Rotala depots as required.

About you

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – confident dealing with colleagues, depots, external stakeholders and union reps.
• Strong IT and analytical skills – comfortable with data, spreadsheets and systems.
• Great organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset – you enjoy getting into the detail of complex challenges.
• A professional, can‑do attitude and the confidence to contribute in face‑to‑face review meetings.
• An understanding of public transport timetables and good geographical awareness of the local area.

Experience in transport, scheduling or a similar analytical / commercial environment would be an advantage, but we’re also open to applicants looking to begin a career in the bus / public transport industry who can demonstrate the right skills and potential.

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• 12-month fixed term contract with potential to become permanent
• The chance to work at the heart of the Bee Network with one of its first franchised operators
• Exposure to commercial, operational, scheduling and bid development work across multiple depots
• Opportunities for progression as we expand our operations in the region