Head of Service Delivery

Arriva Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A public transport organization is seeking a Head of Service Delivery in Wakefield to lead multi-site operations and drive performance. The successful candidate will own P&L, ensure safety compliance, and inspire high-performing teams to deliver exceptional service. You will build partnerships with stakeholders and implement operational improvements. If you have a proven track record in leading large teams and are passionate about public transport, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car Allowance

Bonus

Excellent Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven success leading large operational teams across multiple sites.
• Experience with full P&L responsibility, revenue growth, and cost control.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety compliance and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operations, ensuring safety and service quality.
• Champion Health & Safety, setting high standards for compliance.
• Build partnerships with local authorities to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Inspire and develop large, high-performing teams.
• Drive financial success by owning P&L and delivering budgets.
• Implement process improvements and best practices.

Skills

Strong leadership

Stakeholder management

Operational excellence

Health & Safety compliance

Continuous improvement

Job description

Head of Service Delivery – Public Transport (Bus Operations)

Location: Yorkshire region (Wakefield Head Office)

Salary: Competitive + Car Allowance + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Lead. Inspire. Deliver.

Are you a proven operational leader with the drive to shape the future of public transport?

At Arriva, we’re on a mission to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable bus services that connect communities and enhance everyday journeys. We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Service Delivery to lead multi-site operations, drive performance, and inspire our teams to deliver excellence every day.

The Opportunity

As Head of Service Delivery, you’ll hold full accountability for P&L, performance, safety, and compliance across several operational sites. You’ll lead passionate teams, champion Health & Safety, and ensure we provide a service that customers trust and colleagues are proud to deliver.

You’ll be a visible, credible leader — balancing commercial acumen with people-focused leadership to deliver growth, innovation, and world-class service.

What You’ll Do

• Lead multi-site operations: Drive performance across all sites, ensuring safety, service quality, and profitability targets are achieved.
• Champion Health & Safety: Set the standard for a safe, compliant, and caring work environment — safety first, always.
• Deliver exceptional service: Build partnerships with local authorities and stakeholders to improve customer satisfaction and community value.
• Inspire and develop people: Lead, motivate and grow large, high-performing teams. Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive financial success: Own the P&L, deliver budgets, and implement initiatives that enhance efficiency and maximise EBIT.
• Innovate for the future: Identify and implement process improvements, champion change, and embed best practice across the UK Bus business.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Proven success leading large operational teams across multiple sites in a customer-facing, safety-critical environment.
• Full P&L responsibility experience – with a track record of driving revenue growth, cost control, and profit delivery.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience partnering with Trade Unions and local authorities.
• A passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and creating inclusive, high-performance cultures.
• Deep understanding of Health & Safety compliance and regulatory standards.

(You will also hold statutory director responsibility for relevant legal entities.)

Why Join Arriva?

At Arriva, we don’t just move passengers — we move people, careers, and communities forward.

You’ll join a values-driven business where your leadership makes a genuine impact on safety, sustainability, and service delivery across the UK.

We’ll empower you to lead with purpose, innovate boldly, and make public transport better for everyone.

Ready to Drive Change?

If you’re a results-focused leader with the vision and energy to deliver outstanding service across complex operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in shaping the future of bus transport with Arriva.