Operational Compliance Team Leader

Arriva Road Transport Services; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS) is seeking an experienced Operational Compliance Team Leader to head the compliance function and uphold the highest standards of operational assurance, quality, and supplier compliance across the UK.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will steer audit programmes, oversee supplier assurance and CAPA actions, and drive data-led decisions with digital and AI-enabled solutions. National travel will be required.

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience within a compliance, audit or operational assurance environment.
• Experience delivering audit programmes in a regulated industry.
• Knowledge of supplier assurance and contract compliance.
• Experience managing findings, corrective actions and improvement plans.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.
• Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong IT skills including Excel, Power Query and reporting tools like Power BI.
• Experience using AI-powered tools responsibly.
• Ability to challenge and influence stakeholders professionally.
• Willingness to travel nationally for supplier audits and compliance activities.
• Experience in rail, transport, logistics or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with audit management systems (Q-Pulse, Intelex, iAuditor).
• Experience digital transformation or AI-assisted compliance processes.
• Environmental auditing awareness or IEMA experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Compliance Team, including Lead Auditors and Compliance Administrators.
• Plan, manage and deliver a risk-based programme of supplier audits, operational audits and compliance checks.
• Oversee compliance administration and quality assurance activities to ensure records are accurate and audit-ready.
• Manage supplier assurance activities and ensure corrective actions are completed effectively.
• Monitor PSVAR requirements and oversee taxi permit administration.
• Maintain CAPA processes.
• Produce weekly dashboards and monthly performance reports for leadership.
• Support ISO surveillance and certification audits (ISO 9001, 45001, 22301).
• Drive improvements via digital technology, AI-assisted solutions and process innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Audit programmes

Supplier assurance

Corrective actions

ISO standards

Analytical skills

Power BI

AI tools

Stakeholder management

Travel nationally

Education

NEBOSH General Certificate

Responsible AI / AI Governance

Tools

Q-Pulse

Intelex

iAuditor

Job description

At Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS), we're committed to delivering exceptional transport solutions and outstanding customer experiences. Every year, we deliver more than 80,000 rail replacement journeys, facilitate 20,000 taxi journeys, and provide frontline support to customers across the UK.

As our business continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced Operational Compliance Team Leader to lead our compliance function and drive the highest standards of operational assurance, quality, and supplier compliance. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious compliance professional to make a genuine impact within a fast-paced and evolving transport environment.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you'll be responsible for the operational delivery of ARTS' compliance and audit activities through the leadership of our Compliance Team. You'll oversee supplier and internal audit programmes, ensure compliance activities are delivered effectively, and drive continuous improvement through data-led decision making and innovative digital solutions.

You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring that compliance processes remain robust, evidence-based, and aligned with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Compliance Team, including Lead Auditors and Compliance Administrators.
• Plan, manage and deliver a risk-based programme of supplier audits, operational audits and compliance checks.
• Oversee compliance administration and quality assurance activities to ensure records remain accurate, traceable and audit-ready.
• Manage supplier assurance activities and ensure corrective actions are completed effectively.
• Monitor compliance with PSVAR requirements and oversee taxi permit administration.
• Maintain and monitor CAPA (Corrective and Preventative Action) processes.
• Produce weekly compliance dashboards and monthly performance reports for operational leadership.
• Support ISO surveillance and certification audits, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 22301.
• Drive improvements through digital technology, AI-assisted solutions and process innovation.

About You

Essential Experience & Skills

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Previous leadership experience within a compliance, audit or operational assurance environment.
• A proven track record of delivering audit programmes within a regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of supplier assurance and contract compliance.
• Experience managing findings, corrective actions and compliance improvement plans.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards.
• Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong IT skills including Excel, Power Query and reporting tools such as Power BI.
• Experience using AI-powered business tools responsibly and effectively.
• The ability to challenge and influence stakeholders professionally and constructively.
• Willingness to travel nationally for supplier audits and compliance activities.
• Experience within rail, transport, logistics, aviation or other regulated industries.
• Knowledge of PSVAR and DVSA-regulated operations.
• Experience supporting ISO audits and accreditation programmes.
• Familiarity with audit management systems such as Q-Pulse, Intelex or iAuditor.
• Experience implementing digital transformation or AI-assisted compliance processes.
• Environmental auditing awareness or IEMA experience.

What We're Looking For

• Delivery focused and highly organised.
• Evidence-led and detail oriented.
• A confident and supportive leader.
• Digitally minded and comfortable embracing new technologies.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage challenging conversations.
• Collaborative and relationship driven.
• Professional, ethical and committed to maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Right to work in the UK
• NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent
• Responsible AI or AI Governance certification

Why Join ARTS?

Join a growing and ambitious business

Lead a critical compliance function

Make a genuine impact on operational performance and customer experience

Work with a supportive and experienced leadership team

Drive innovation through data, technology and AI

Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development

If you're passionate about compliance, operational excellence and leading high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.