Head of Service Delivery

Arriva Plc; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transport provider in the UK is seeking a Head of Service Delivery to lead multi-site operations. The role requires proven leadership experience, a strong focus on safety and service quality, and full P&L management. If you have a passion for operational excellence and inspiring teams, you can make a significant impact on public transport services. Join us to innovate and drive change in transportation.

Qualifications

• Proven success leading large operational teams in a customer-facing, safety-critical environment.
• Experience with full P&L responsibility, driving revenue growth, and cost control.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience partnering with trade unions and local authorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operations, ensuring safety and service quality.
• Set standards for a safe work environment focusing on compliance.
• Drive financial success by owning the P&L and delivering budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Health & Safety compliance

Job description

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.

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.

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.