Staff Manager – Operations – Bridgend Depot
Location: Bridgend depot (serving Port Talbot). We have a fantastic opportunity for a Staff Manager to join our Bridgend depot on a full‑time permanent basis. The successful candidate will support and deputise for the Operations Manager to manage all aspects of operational performance including on‑time performance, delivering excellent customer experience, while managing a governance agenda that supports legislative, process and policy compliance, within the operational excellence framework. You will engage front‑line colleagues through effective communication, active listening and recognition.
Key Responsibilities
- Management of the depot operations team in accordance with First Group policies, standard operating procedures and all relevant legislation.
- Work with the Training function to ensure that operational teams are competently trained, and to achieve agreed establishment requirements.
- Manage driver performance and carry out job chats.
- Support the induction and development of an engaged, talented and high performing operations team, nurturing an innovative and continuous improvement culture.
- Conduct any disciplinary, grievance or absence management reviews in accordance with Company policy.
- Maintain accurate records for all aspects of operational standards and performance, including maintenance of employee records.
- Work alongside service performance team members, fostering excellent working relationships between drivers and Supervisors to ensure a consistent customer experience.
- Improve operational performance in a sustainable manner, with a key focus on improving lost miles and punctuality, resulting in the delivery of agreed key performance indicators.
- Manage supervisors to create alternative disruption plans; liaise with and provide information to all relevant colleagues.
- Liaise with external stakeholders and attend relevant meetings to improve service performance.
- Act as local custodian and point of contact for escalation for maintenance of fault diagnosis of all on‑time performance and other service performance business systems.
- Ensure collaboration between operational and engineering team members, fostering excellent working relationships between drivers and Supervisors to ensure a consistent customer experience.
- Deliver agreed performance improvement plans and operational costs within budget.
- Comply with requisition to pay procedures and delegated authorities.
- Ensure an effective working relationship with recognised trade union representatives and officials.
- Other duties commensurate with the role as may be deemed appropriate by the line manager.
Skills and Experience
- Previous management or supervisory experience (within the bus/transport industry preferred, but not essential).
- Excellent computer skills.
- Professional knowledge of Road Traffic Act and Employment legislation.
Rewards & Benefits
- Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you, including cashback benefits across optical & dental and virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition & fitness advice.
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support for mental health).
- Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months of service, and a free bus pass.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
- Flexible working.
- Commitment to physical and mental wellbeing with access to various health promotion initiatives.
Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all. Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process. Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.