Scheduler

First Bus; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation service provider is seeking a Scheduler to design efficient bus schedules that comply with regulations and support operational goals. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience in scheduling, and the ability to manage relationships with trade unions. This position is crucial for ensuring service deliverability and operational excellence, including collaboration across various departments. Competitive benefits include healthcare, discounted travel, and holiday allowances.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

Discounted train travel

25 days' holiday + bank holidays

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced maternity / paternity pay

Qualifications

• Highly numerate and data-driven, with experience in scheduling.
• Experience managing union relationships and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver efficient, compliant duties and rosters.
• Support tactical service change delivery.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations and HR.

Skills

Analytical and Scheduling Expertise

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Team Collaboration

Tools

Optibus scheduling system

Job description

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Location: Wales / West of England - Bristol or Swansea

Network in First Bus

The First Bus Network CoE is responsible for bus service performance and producing the day-to-day operating plan for our fleet across the UK. Data and route performance analysis is key in managing our service profitability and reliability. Our core services include designing bus routes and timetables, creating vehicle and driver duties to ensure operational efficiency and complying with regulatory requirements. Using advanced planning systems, the team also prepare contract and tender bids for First, all with the goal of supporting reliable and customer-focused delivery.

Position Summary

Responsible for creating efficient, legally compliant, and cost-effective bus and driver schedules. Reporting to a Senior Scheduler for their area, they play a critical role in ensuring that services are deliverable, optimised, and aligned with operational and commercial goals. They are the first point of contact for trade union relations before escalation and will foster these relationships for their area.

TheScheduler will act with integrity and role model First Bus values and behaviours (‘our Way') across their business units and the broader business; and through effective stakeholder management, they will ensure the needs of local authorities, investors, customers, partners, and colleagues are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Duty and Roster Creation: Design and deliver efficient, compliant duties and rosters that align with network plans, operational constraints, driver availability, and trade union agreements, utilising the latest recommended software in First Bus.
• Tactical Scheduling and Service Change Support: Support tactical service change delivery, updating duties and rosters in response to timetable changes, operational disruptions, or local authority interventions.
• Resource Forecasting and Budgeting Support: Input into forecasting and budgeting, modelling the resource impact (e.g. drivers, hours, fleet) of planned and potential service changes.
• Regulatory and Agreement Compliance: Ensure compliance with trade union agreements, rest rules, and labour regulations – supporting operational delivery and workforce satisfaction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate cross-functionally, working closely with Network Planning, Operations, and HR to ensure schedules support service quality and delivery goals.
• Supporting Driver Retention: Incorporate driver preferences where possible, supporting retention and wellbeing by shaping duties aligned to known preferences and operational feasibility.
• System Integration and Data Accuracy: Produce outputs for all other systems as required by the business and update them as appropriate including, EPM, DAS, Ticketer and BODS ensuring a high-quality standard of information is delivered, to required deadlines.
• Bid and Tender Support: Assist with the preparation of tender bids for submission, with support from the Network Planner/Planning Manager and Senior Scheduler where required.
• Fleet and EV Scheduling Adaptation: Support EV and fleet-specific planning, adapting rosters and duties to accommodate vehicle capabilities, charging infrastructure, and maintenance windows.
• Planning Cycle and Delivery Rhythm: Maintain a strong delivery rhythm, ensuring timely schedule production for change cycles and supporting structured planning, review, and sign-off processes.
• Performance Insight and Data Contribution: Provide data inputs and support performance tracking, helping the business understand how schedules impact cost, efficiency, and staff availability.
• Leadership Support and Flexibility: Where appropriate, deputising for the Senior Scheduler and the taking up of other responsibilities commensurate with the role as deemed appropriate by the Senior Scheduler/Schedules Manager.

Key Relationships

• Senior Scheduler and Schedules Managers
• Network Planners and Planning Managers
• Network Process Excellence and Compliance Managers
• Operations colleagues in First Bus
• External stakeholders including Trade Unions

Skills & Experience required:

• Analytical and Scheduling Expertise: Highly numerate and data-driven, with experience in the fundamentals of scheduling, optimisation, and workforce planning.
• Technical Proficiency: Understanding of scheduling and the Optibus scheduling system is preferred, though not essential.
• Local Operational Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
• Communication and Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in managing union relationships and cross-functional collaboration.
• EV Scheduling Familiarity: Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.
• Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high-pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work in a team.
• Delivery and Compliance: Ability to meet agreed legislative and internal process timescales.

Key Performance Indicators

• Driver Turnover and Engagement
• Always Care: Show empathy and fairness in interactions
• Do what is Right: Lead with integrity and accountability
• Succeed Together: Embrace teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Shape the Future: Be proactive, Curious and growth mindset

Company, Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Adhere to all FirstGroup and First Bus policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Promote and implement, where appropriate, safe working practices by means of campaigns, initiatives and promote a positive attitude to safety through personal leadership.
• Support the Company's environmental campaigns and be aware of the Company's annual environmental targets.
• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers24hr, 365 days a year mental healthsupport
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platformwith many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months serviceas well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.