Yard Controller - Croydon

Go Ahead London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Go-Ahead London is seeking a Yard Controller to lead frontline operations at our Croydon garage. You will monitor movements, enforce safety protocols, and coordinate with managers, engineers and performance teams to deliver efficient bus services.

The role requires a PCV licence, 38-hour week, and a 38-hour shift pattern including days, Middles and night shifts. You will play a key role in safety-critical operating procedures and leadership within our biggest garage.

Qualifications

• Effective communication across departments.
• Ability to challenge unsafe practices and drive improvements.
• Decisive in ensuring vehicle and pedestrian safety.
• Flexible leadership in a safety-critical environment.
• PCV licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor vehicle and pedestrian movements and enforce safety protocols.
• Ensure all colleagues wear PPE and use designated walkways.
• Oversee bus allocation for safe and efficient departures.
• Oversee charging status of buses and delivery of a charging strategy.
• Report serious incidents to the relevant manager.
• Liaise with engineering to resolve vehicle defects quickly.
• Communicate delays to OCC to protect service reliability.
• Ensure pre-service checks on Tranzaura are completed and audited.
• Oversee garage parking and vehicle movements to maintain safety standards.
• Manage shunter activities and ensure vehicles are positioned, presented and cleaned to standard.
• Conduct vehicle cleaning audits and escalate issues for prompt corrective action.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Safety-critical

People-focused

Tranzaura

Betterfleet

Tools

Tranzaura

Betterfleet

Bus allocation systems

Job description

Who are we

At Go-Ahead London, we don’t just operate buses — we keep a city running.

As the capital’s largest bus operator, with over 2,500 vehicles across 18 locations, we play a vital role in millions of journeys every day. We are now expanding our Operations Team and introducing an exciting new opportunity: Yard Controller

This is your chance to step into a high-impact, frontline role where no two days are the same. You’ll be the one who gets London moving again — safely, quickly, and efficiently.

Role: Yard Controller (PCV licence required)

Location: Croydon, CR9 4ND

Contract:Full Time / Permanent

Working Hours: 38 hours per week (This role required flexibility and will include: Days, Middles & Night shifts)

Salary: £45,383

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within Go-Ahead London while playing a key role in the safe and efficient operation of our biggest garages, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Enhance your career within Go-Ahead London.
• Play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of bus services in our biggest garage.
• Work closely with Managers, Supervisors, Engineers and Performance teams to deliver the best possible service for our customers.
• Develop your leadership and problem-solving skills in a safety-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor all vehicle and pedestrian movements, ensuring all safety protocols are followed.
• Ensure all colleagues, contractors and visitors wear the correct PPE and use designated walkways.
• Oversee bus allocation, ensuring safe and efficient departures.
• Oversee the charging status of buses and ensure an effective charging strategy is being delivered.
• Report any serious incidents immediately to the relevant manager.
• Liaise with engineering teams to resolve vehicle defects quickly.
• Communicate with iBus at our Operations Control Centre (OCC) to report delays that may impact service.
• Ensure pre-service checks on Tranzaura are completed and audited.
• Oversee garage parking and vehicle movements to maintain safety standards at all times.
• Manage and oversee shunter activities, ensuring vehicles are positioned, presented, and cleaned to the required operational standards.
• Undertake vehicle cleaning audits, escalating concerns to the site cleaning manager and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.

What We're Looking For

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments.
• The confidence to challenge unsafe practices and support continuous improvement.
• The ability to make confident decisions and take control of vehicle and pedestrian safety.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing situations.
• A people-focused attitude.
• Knowledge of Tranzaura, Betterfleet, and bus allocation systems would be an advantage; however, full training will be provided.

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role and make a real impact on the safe and efficient running of our bus services.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Go-Ahead London is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from women and from people of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups.

We are an equal opportunities employer and select candidates based on merit and ability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.