Operations Supervisor

arriva; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company seeks an Operations Supervisor to enhance bus service operations in Croydon. The role involves overseeing daily activities, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and managing staff effectively. Candidates should have supervisory experience, strong communication skills, and a customer-focused approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory role in resource management.
• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily bus operations and ensure safety compliance.
• Provide support to drivers and respond to incidents.
• Oversee financial accuracy in timekeeping and wage input.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Health & Safety knowledge

Communication skills

Customer-focused mindset

Proficient IT skills

Ability to lead teams

Organisational skills

Education

Valid First Aid certificate

Job description

Job Title: Opersations Supervisor
Location: Croydon
Reports To: Site Operations Manager
Direct Reports: Drivers
Salary: £37,043.80 per annum
Hours: 38 hours per week (flexibility required to support operational demands)
Overtime Rate: £18.68 per hour

Key Internal Stakeholders

• Engineering

• Health & Safety (incl. Risk)

• Transcare

• Training School

• Customer Service

• Trade Unions

Key External Stakeholders

• Regulatory/Statutory Authorities (e.g., TfL)

• Cleaning Contractors

• Customers

• Local Businesses

Job Purpose

To support the effective, compliant, and customer-focused operation of daily bus services at Dartford, contributing to the successful delivery of the site's annual business plan. This role serves as the first point of contact for drivers during daily operations and has responsibility for proactive network and resource management.

You will oversee the allocation of duties, respond promptly to incidents (e.g., collisions, passenger injuries, traffic disruptions), and ensure operational continuity and excellence. You will champion a culture of safety, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, aligned with Arriva’s values.

Core Responsibilities

1. Health & Safety

• Promote a proactive safety culture across the depot and on the road.

• Identify and resolve unsafe behaviours or conditions.

• Support compliance with Arriva’s HS&E Management System and safety initiatives.

2. Customer Experience

• Provide professional, friendly responses to customer inquiries.

• Investigate complaints and ensure preventative actions are implemented.

3. People Management

• Ensure timely driver attendance and briefing; allocate vehicles and duties effectively.

• Maintain uniform and appearance standards.

• Support employee development and foster a culture of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

• Accurately manage absence records and enforce HR policies.

• Build constructive relationships with Trade Union representatives.

4. Operational Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day bus service operations ensuring all duties are covered.

• Manage and record lost mileage and service disruptions.

• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure vehicle availability.

• Monitor KPIs and local objectives to maintain service quality.

5. Financial Oversight & Decision-Making

• Ensure accurate timekeeping and wage input.

• Optimise duty planning and manage overtime for cost efficiency.

• Use data and tools to support operational decision-making.

6. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Maintain up-to-date KPI data.

• Share best practices and contribute to operational improvements across the business.

7. Corporate Social Responsibility

• Uphold Arriva’s brand, values, and community engagement in all interactions.

Essential Requirements

• Supervisory experience in a staff or resource management role

• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation and standards

• Valid First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain)

• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills

• Customer-focused mindset

• Proficient IT skills

• Ability to influence and lead teams

• Organised and decisive under pressure

• Knowledge of the PCV/HGV industry

• Experience working in partnership with Trade Unions

• Flexible, self-motivated, and resilient

Note: This job description outlines key responsibilities and expectations but is not exhaustive. The role may require additional tasks as determined by the Site Operations Manager.