General Manager

First Group; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

First Bus London is seeking a General Manager to lead operations across multiple locations. This role involves driving strategic and operational performance with full accountability for P&L, ensuring high-quality service and strong safety culture. Ideal candidates will have extensive bus industry experience and a proven track record in leadership, particularly in managing complex environments involving unionized staff.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Impact in sustainable urban transport

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level experience in the bus industry, ideally in London.
• Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Passenger Transport & Road Haulage required.
• In-depth knowledge of TfL operations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver strategic direction with senior managers.
• Manage P&L, ensuring financial control and forecasting.
• Lead operations aligned with TfL standards.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

BTEC Higher National Diploma

Diploma of Higher Education

Job description

Are you a seasoned leader in the bus industry with a passion for operational excellence and delivering high-quality service? First Bus London is seeking General Manageracross multiple London locations to lead our teams, shape strategy, and deliver performance at the highest level.

About the Role

As a General Manager, you'll take full accountability for the strategic and operational performance of one or more London locations, ensuring service excellence, financial control, and a strong safety culture. This is a key leadership role, reporting directly to the senior leadership team and acting as a visible and influential figure within the business.

You will drive continuous improvement and culture change, lead complex union relationships, and ensure strong working partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly Transport for London (TfL).

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver strategic direction in collaboration with Directors and Senior Managers.

• Own full P&L responsibility including forecasting, budgeting, and cost management.

• Lead safe, efficient, and high-quality operations aligned with contractual and TfL standards.

• Build and maintain strong industrial relations and manage union negotiations.

• Coach and develop operational management teams, driving high performance and accountability.

• Actively engage with TfL, representing First Bus London in key forums and decision-making.

• Champion a strong health, safety, and compliance culture across garages and fleet.

• Constantly challenge the status quo to embed best practices and innovation.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a proven operational leader with:

• Extensive senior-level experience in the bus industry, ideally within the London regulated market.

• In-depth knowledge of TfL operations, compliance requirements, and stakeholder engagement.

• A Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Passenger Transport & Road Haulage.

• Demonstrated success managing unionised environments and driving culture change.

• Excellent financial acumen and commercial judgement.

• Outstanding leadership and people management capabilities, with the ability to motivate, influence, and inspire at all levels.

• A results-driven mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Education & Qualifications

• BTEC Higher National Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education, or equivalent.

• Relevant management or transport qualifications are advantageous.

Why Join First Bus London?

• Lead in a dynamic, high-profile environment where you can make real impact.

• Be part of a company that's shaping the future of sustainable urban transport.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunities for career progression across one of the UK's leading transport groups.