Site Manager

Arriva Group; Billingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Sites Manager for its Ashington Bus Depot. The role involves overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and maintaining strong customer service. Effective leadership of a large team and financial oversight are key aspects. Candidates should have a strong operational background, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is a fixed-term position that offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Inclusion in an established organisation

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing an operational facility, including P&L responsibility and budget control.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing and motivating large teams.
• Customer-focused background with experience in complaint handling and dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations at Ashington Bus Depot while ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Champion excellent customer service, maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions to meet targets.

Skills

Operational management

Leadership

Customer service

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Job description

Overview

Sites Manager – Bus Operations - Fixed term

Location: Ashington Bus Depot with travel across the North East

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sites Manager to lead operations at our Ashington Bus Depot. This is a senior operational role within the bus industry, responsible for the day-to-day delivery of bus services, ensuring safe, reliable, and customer-focused operations.

As Sites Manager, you will provide strong leadership across the depot, ensuring service delivery targets are met, customer satisfaction is maintained, and continuous improvement is embedded in everything we do. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, including local authorities and regulatory bodies, to deliver high-quality bus services for the community.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety

Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety legislation, company policies, and best practice. You will be accountable for the safe operation of the depot and bus services, in line with the company’s HS&E Management System and statutory obligations.

Customer Focus

Champion excellent customer service across all operations. Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities and key stakeholders, ensuring customer feedback and complaints are managed promptly and effectively.

People Management

Lead, motivate, and develop a large operational workforce. Promote a culture of inclusion, equality, and diversity, ensuring teams are engaged, supported, and equipped to deliver high performance.

Quality & Performance

Oversee service delivery and operational compliance, driving improvements in reliability, performance, and profitability. Work collaboratively with commercial teams to review feedback and enhance service quality.

Financial Oversight

Contribute to the depot’s annual business plan, budget, and forecasts. Monitor financial performance, control costs, and implement corrective actions where required to meet financial targets.

Continuous Improvement

Act as a change leader within the depot, identifying and implementing opportunities to improve processes, systems, and operational efficiency.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Promote and uphold the company’s values, reputation, and social responsibilities in all internal and external engagements.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience managing an operational facility, including P&L responsibility and budget control
• Experience working with Trade Unions and managing serious incident response
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing and motivating large teams
• Customer-focused background with experience in complaint handling and dispute resolution
• Demonstrated commitment to creating a safe and continuously improving working environment
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

Person Specification

• Strong alignment with company values
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Why Join Us?

Impact

Play a key role in delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality bus services that make a real difference to local communities.

Development

Join an inclusive organisation that supports professional development and long-term career progression.

Collaboration

Work with experienced professionals across the business and the wider transport sector to continuously improve services.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on a senior leadership role within the bus industry and make a meaningful impact on service delivery, safety, and performance, we would welcome your application.

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties as business needs require.