Commercial Systems Manager

West Midlands Bus; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Travel across the network

Company pension & life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme + online

Private online GP service

Job summary

West Midlands Bus is seeking a Commercial Systems Manager to lead our digital ticketing and on-board revenue systems for 1,400 buses. You will drive fare strategies, manage a core team, and collaborate with TfWM and local authorities to optimise revenue and passenger outcomes.

The role is based at NX House in Birmingham with 3 days on-site and some home-working; expect occasional visits to West Midlands garages.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial decision making and leading a team.
• Experience in passenger transport or high volume transit operations.
• Strong financial, insight, and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and challenge status quo.
• Strategic yet hands-on leader who delivers results.

Responsibilities

• Lead on board revenue systems and ticketing across 1,400 buses.
• Direct daily operations of ticket machines, card sales, and web channels.
• Recommend fare & ticketing strategies to hit revenue targets.
• Represent the company in negotiations with TfWM and authorities.
• Protect and grow concessionary travel grants and funding.
• Deliver data-driven insights to evaluate revenue streams.

Skills

Commercial decision making

Team management

Stakeholder relations

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Tools

Ticketing systems

Scheduler

Job description

Ready to take the wheel on digital ticketing systems and revenue strategy for one of the UK’s largest bus operations? West Midlands Bus is searching for a Commercial Systems Manager to join our senior commercial team.

Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial & Network, you will lead the digital products and on board revenue systems that keep over 1,400 buses moving every single day. With the West Midlands market preparing for bus franchising, you will play a crucial role in analysing revenue streams, maximising commercial returns, and challenging old habits with fresh, modern solutions.

Where you will be based

This role is based out of NX House (Birmingham), with at least 3 days per week on site and the possibility of working other days from home.Visits to company garages around the West Midlands will be necessary from time to time.

What you will actually be doing

• Lead Ticketing Systems: Oversee on board revenue systems across 1,400 buses, covering ticketing equipment, back office systems, smart cards, mobile apps, and contactless payments.
• Manage the Core Team: Direct the team responsible for daily operations around ticket machines, card sales, bulk ticketing, and web sales channels using scheduler.
• Deliver Smart Fare Strategies: Recommend fare and ticketing strategies to the Bus Executive team that hit revenue and passenger targets.
• Partner with Transport Authorities: Represent West Midlands Bus in negotiations with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and other local authorities on fares and ticketing policies.
• Maximise Grant Funding: Work with finance teams to protect and grow concessionary travel grants and government funding.
• Drive Commercial Insights: Deliver sharp data analysis to evaluate revenue streams, monitor market shifts, and capitalize on new commercial opportunities.

What we need from you

• Proven Track Record: Solid experience in commercial decision making, team management, and stakeholder relations.
• Transport Savvy: Previous management experience in passenger transport or high volume transit operations is highly desirable.
• Sharp Analytical Skills: Strong financial, insight, and presentation capabilities to quickly size up commercial viability and spot revenue potential.
• Culture Challenger: The confidence to challenge the "that's how we have always done it" mindset and influence colleagues resistant to change.
• Strategic Yet Hands On: A results driven leader who can plan high level strategies but will happily roll up their sleeves when detail is needed.

The perks of joining us

• We look after our leaders with perks that make a real difference:
• Free Travel: Free travel right across the network for you.
• Peace of Mind: Solid company pension scheme and life assurance.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.