Operations Manager

First Bus; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff Travel Pass

Nominee Pass after 3 months

Cycle to work scheme

Discount platform on high street & etc

Job summary

First Bus in London is seeking an Operations Manager for Wandsworth Garage to drive efficient, compliant bus operations and to oversee financial performance. You will lead teams, manage resources, and ensure service delivery meets contractual and customer expectations.

The role requires strong leadership, transport sector experience, and solid IT skills. A CPC qualification is ideal, with focus on health & safety and process improvements across the garage environment.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in the bus or transport/logistics industry.
• CPC qualification preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily bus operations to meet customer and contractual expectations.
• Manage financial performance and ensure operations stay within budget.
• Lead and motivate administrative and operational teams to drive top performance and engagement.
• Analyse KPIs and drive improvements in service quality and compliance.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and adherence to company policies.

Skills

People management

CPC qualification

Budget/financial acumen

Communication skills

IT skills (MS Word & Excel)

Health and safety knowledge

Transport/Logistics industry expertise

Education

BTEC Higher National Diploma

Diploma of Higher Education

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Join our team as an Operations Managerat Wandsworth Garage, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional bus services that meet both customer and contractual requirements. In this dynamic role, you'll oversee the operational and financial performance of our garage, ensuring services run safely, efficientlyand to the highest standards. You'll be responsible for leading and motivating staff, managing resources and driving improvements in service quality, performanceand compliance.

What You'll Do

• Oversee daily bus operations to meet customer and contractual expectations
• Maximise QIC/QSI performance and operated mileage
• Lead and manage administrative and operational teams, ensuring top performance and engagement
• Liaise with other departments to ensure adequate staffing, vehicle availability, and service delivery
• Monitor driver quality standards and promote accident prevention initiatives
• Manage financial performance, ensuring operations remain within budget
• Analyse key performance indicators and take proactive action to drive improvement
• Oversee payroll accuracy and ensure adherence to company policies
• Maintain robust administrative processes to ensure contract compliance and successful audit outcomes
• Handle public correspondence, lost property, and uniform management
• Support the General Manager during periods of absence and coordinate with the Chief Controller to optimise resource allocation
• Champion health and safety compliance across all garage operations

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience within the bus or transport/logistics industry at a senior level
• Strong understanding of QIC/QSI performance measures and TfL contractual requirements
• Ideally CPC qualified
• Proven people management skills with experience handling performance and conflict
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and analyse KPIs
• Excellent communication, analytical, and IT skills (MS Word & Excel)
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures in a transport environment
• Education: BTEC Higher National Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education, or equivalent

Benefits:

• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platformwith many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Staff Travel Pass
• Nominee Pass after three months of service
• Cycle to work scheme