Regional Operations Manager - Wolverhampton

Avanti West Coast; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final salary pension

Free travel for you and family

Privilege Travel card (75% off fares)

30 days holiday (+1 per year) up to 37

10 free journeys on other operators

Job summary

Avanti West Coast is seeking a Regional Operations Manager to lead Driver Managers, Operations Managers and Drivers across the Wolverhampton depot, delivering regional objectives with a strong safety and performance focus.

You will influence stakeholders, manage trade union relationships and drive continuous improvement while ensuring high standards of driver competence and operational excellence across the region.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams and managing people within an operational environment.
• Experience influencing stakeholders and building effective working relationships at all levels.
• A strong track record of trade union engagement and relationship management.
• Experience managing operational performance and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support a team of Driver Managers and Driver Operations Managers to deliver regional objectives and KPIs.
• Set clear annual objectives aligned with business priorities and develop the management team.
• Create effective communication channels to keep colleagues informed and engaged.
• Manage employee relations matters in line with HR policies and standards.
• Oversee driver assessments, competency requirements and operational standards.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Stakeholder mgmt

HR policies

Communication

Problem solving

Emotional intelligence

Influencing

Relationship building

MS Office

Education

TOLO Competency

IOSH Managing Safely

Tools

MS Office

Job description

As Regional Operations Manager, you will provide leadership and direction to a team of Driver Managers, Driver Operations Managers, and Drivers across the Wolverhampton depot.

You will be accountable for delivering operational excellence, maintaining the highest safety standards, and ensuring driver competence across your region. Working closely with key stakeholders, including trade unions, Network Rail, and internal departments, you'll help drive performance, continuous improvement, and a positive safety culture.

This is a high-profile leadership role where your ability to influence, engage, and inspire others will be key to success.

What You'll Be Doing

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, develop and support a team of Driver Managers and Driver Operations Managers to deliver regional objectives and key performance indicators.

• Set clear annual objectives, aligned with business priorities, and support the ongoing development of your management team.

• Create effective communication channels to ensure colleagues remain informed, engaged, and focused on delivering exceptional standards.

• Manage employee relations matters and support formal and informal processes in line with company policies and HR standards.

Safety & Operational Excellence

• Ensure the consistent delivery of all aspects of the Driver Competence Management System across the region.

• Oversee the delivery of driver assessments, ensuring competency requirements and operational standards are maintained.

• Promote and embed a positive safety culture supported by robust processes, industry standards, and legislative requirements.

• Lead investigations into operational incidents and occupational accidents, ensuring timely completion and high-quality outputs.

• Monitor operational performance, ensuring delays and cancellations are effectively investigated and lessons learned are embedded.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ASLEF representatives, ensuring constructive consultation and negotiation that supports business objectives.

• Act as the regional lead with key stakeholders including Network Rail, other Train Operating Companies, and Freight Operating Companies.

• Work collaboratively with departments across the business to ensure operational plans and resource forecasts support reliable service delivery.

Resource & Performance Management

• Manage regional budgets and resources effectively to ensure business objectives are achieved.

• Lead workforce planning activities to maintain depot establishment requirements.

• Support the development and delivery of efficient driver rosters.

• Provide leadership during engineering works and operational changes impacting your region.

About You

We're looking for a confident operational leader with a passion for people, safety, and performance.

You will bring:

Essential Experience

• Proven experience leading teams and managing people within an operational environment.

• Experience influencing stakeholders and building effective working relationships at all levels.

• A strong track record of trade union engagement and relationship management.

• Experience managing operational performance and driving continuous improvement.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and employee relations practices.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing skills.

• Ability to analyse information, make evidence-based decisions, and solve complex problems.

• High levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity.

• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of rail operations and operational risk management.

Qualifications

• Train Operations Liaison Officer (TOLO) Competency.

• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.

If you thrive in a challenging and fast-paced environment, possess excellent leadership skills, and have a passion for the railway industry, we want to hear from you!

As well as a competitive salary you will also get:

• Final salary pension

• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents

• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)

• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)

• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators

Be You. With Us.

AtAvanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced and everyone is supported to thrive.

We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in.Your individuality is what makes us better. We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.