Continuous Improvement Manager

First Bus; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 15%

Health benefits

Discount platform

Train travel discounts

Free bus pass

Cycle to work

Job summary

First Bus, part of First Group, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead performance enhancements across regional depots. You will collaborate with depot and regional leadership to identify opportunities, apply problem-solving methods, and deliver sustainable change that improves efficiency and service outcomes.

You will drive standardisation of practices, analyse trends, and work with Data & Analytics to improve reporting while engaging senior leaders to embed improvements across the

Qualifications

• Proven experience in continuous improvement or performance improvement.
• Strong data-led approach to identifying and delivering operational gains.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving techniques (Lean or Six Sigma).
• Analytical skills to translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience collaborating with operational teams across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead data-driven improvement initiatives across depots and regions to boost operational performance.
• Apply root-cause analysis to identify challenges and design lasting solutions.
• Partner with depot leadership to prioritise improvements and support performance recovery.
• Document and share standards and best practices to drive consistency.
• Analyse performance data to spot trends, risks and opportunities, and turn insights into actions.
• Collaborate with Data & Analytics teams to enhance reporting and dashboards.
• Build relationships with General Managers and Service Delivery Directors to embed change.
• Monitor initiatives to ensure tangible, sustainable results.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Lean/Six Sigma

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Job description

About First Bus:

Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.

Location:

Remote, with frequent travel required across the UK

About the Role

We're looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to help drive operational performance and improvements across First Bus Regional Bus.

Reporting to the Head of Continuous Improvement, you'll work closely with depot and regional leadership teams to identify opportunities for improvement, tackle operational challenges and deliver meaningful, sustainable change.

You'll play a key role in ensuring best practices, processes and standards are consistently applied across our regions, helping our teams work more effectively and deliver better operational outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead targeted, data-driven improvement initiatives across depots and regions to enhance operational performance.
• Use structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to identify challenges, develop solutions and deliver lasting improvements.
• Work closely with operational leaders to identify performance gaps, prioritise improvement activity and support performance recovery.
• Develop, document and share operational standards, processes and best practices to drive consistency across Regional Bus.
• Analyse performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, turning insights into practical actions.
• Collaborate with Data & Analytics teams to improve reporting, dashboards and performance insights.
• Build strong relationships with General Managers, Senior General Managers and Service Delivery Directors to support and embed change.
• Monitor and measure improvement initiatives, ensuring they deliver tangible, sustainable results.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams to identify opportunities and adopt more effective ways of working.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence or performance improvement, ideally within a multi-site environment.
• A strong track record of delivering measurable operational improvements through data-led initiatives.
• Experience using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques, such as Lean or Six Sigma.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience working collaboratively with operational teams in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage colleagues at all levels.
• A practical, hands‑on approach, combining analytical thinking with the ability to drive and embed operational change.

Salary - Competitive, plus up to 15% annual bonus

Rewards

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

• 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
• Up to 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares

Equal Opportunities

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.