Operations Manager - Ashford

Stagecoach Group plc; Ashford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company seeks an Operations Manager in Ashford to lead and inspire a team of 140 staff and oversee 63 vehicles. You will ensure operational efficiency while building strong relationships with stakeholders and providing a high-quality transport service. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership skills, strong communication abilities, and a passion for community engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic environment, with a focus on service, safety, and standards.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership capabilities within a changing environment.
• Strong communication skills to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to motivate and support the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of 140 colleagues.
• Ensure services leave the depot on time.
• Develop team competencies to maintain high service standards.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

Strong communication skills

Motivational skills

Team player

Job description

Competitive

Operations Manager – Ashford

Does the thought of leading our Ashford operation of 140 colleagues and 63 vehicles sound right up your street? How about working in the heart of the South East community to deliver an amazing service to our hugely valued customers every day? Then read on, because this could well be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

We are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Operations Manager to lead, inspire and support our team.

Whatever your background, you’ll be passionate about people – motivating and leading your colleagues to deliver a safe, efficient and effective transport service to the incredible Ashford community. Your success in this role will also be a major contributor to our wider South East business.

We don’t just want managers to manage run out and KPI’s – we want inspirational leaders who will drive forward our success with kindness and passion. So, what could you do in our Ashford depot?

Working within a dedicated team, the main ‘aim of the game’ is to ensure our services leave the depot on time, with our customer‑focussed drivers ready and able to meet our customers’ expectations.

To do this you’ll lead, motivate, develop and engage your colleagues, and promote a close and constructive partnership with the engineering, commercial and service delivery teams.

The responsibility to respond quickly to any problems will be yours, so you’ll have the opportunity to make a direct and hugely positive impact on our customers and our business.

You will be responsible for ensuring you have the right people in the right place at the right time – you will develop your team to ensure competency with great behaviours, so they deliver the high standards of service we expect.

Ultimately, the performance of Ashford depot will be in your hands – service, security, safety and standards…so this is an incredible career opportunity.

It’s not all inward facing; we will encourage you to take an active role in developing and enhancing relationships with your local stakeholders such as local councillors and other high‑profile bodies.

We’d love to have you onboard if:

• You have good, proven leadership capabilities within a changing environment.
• Your communication skills are strong to build excellent relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• You are a confident self‑starter and able to always motivate others.
• You are an excellent team player and able to support your team and the wider South East management to the wider organisation.

Does this sound like you and somewhere you’d like to be?

If so, apply through our Stagecoach careers site by Wednesday 31st December 2025 with a CV and cover letter.

Or apply by email to [e-mail]

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location:

Stagecoach Ashford Depot Cobs Wood Industrial Estate, Ashford Kent TN23 1EL