About Us
Redwing Coaches of London are a well-established coach hire and tour operator based in South London, recently acquired by Skills Group offering over 100 years industry experience, we operate from our Croydon offices which also comprises of an in-house engineering team, with a small local team.
We operate a modern fleet of 24 vehicles across private hire, school contracts, corporate travel, UK & European tours, and other types of ad-hoc work. With a reputation for reliability, compliance, and excellent customer service, we are now looking for a highly organised Operations & Allocations Manager to take ownership of our day-to-day operation.
This is a key leadership role for someone who lives and breathes coach operations.
The Role
You will be responsible for the efficient, compliant, and profitable running of our entire transport operation. From allocating the right vehicle and driver to every job, to ensuring O-Licence compliance and delivering outstanding service to clients, you will be the control centre of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Compliance:
- Full day-to-day management of all private hire, contract, and tour movements
- Ensure full compliance with DVSA, O-Licence requirements, drivers' hours, WTD, and tachograph legislation
- Oversee allowances for vehicle servicing & MOT’s into the daily schedules, defect reporting and liaise with the engineering/workshop team
- Manage driver debriefs, licence checks, CPC, and disciplinary matters in conjunction with the Transport & Compliance Manager with support from a wider HR, training & compliance team.
- Act as a key contact for out-of-hours operational issues on a rota basis
Allocations & Planning:
- Efficient allocation of drivers and vehicles to maximise fleet utilisation and company profitability
- Forward planning of workload - balancing private hires, school work, and tours
- Manage driver rotas, holidays, and cover to ensure all jobs are resourced
- Cost and quote jobs accurately, negotiating rates where required
- Build and maintain strong relationships with drivers, customers, and sub-contractors
- Utilise operations systems (DS Coach Manager, TruTac, Samsara)to maintain accurate records
Customer & Team Leadership:
- Lead, motivate and support a team of [15-30+] full and part-time drivers
- Be the point of escalation for customer service issues, delays, and on-the-day changes
- Drive operational standards and continuous improvement
What We're Looking For
- Essential: Proven experience in a similar role within the coach, bus, or HGV transport industry
- Strong, demonstrable knowledge of allocations, operations, and O-Licence compliance
- Excellent knowledge of UK geography and EU drivers' hours rules
- Calm under pressure with outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills
- Confident leader - able to manage, motivate and get the best out of drivers
- Proficient with transport management software and Microsoft Office
- Full UK Driving Licence. Category D licence
- Transport Manager CPC in Passenger Carrying is highly advantageous, or the willing to work towards qualification.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company pension
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Opportunity to work with a modern, well-maintained fleet
- Genuine opportunity for career progression as the business continues to grow
- Supportive, family-run atmosphere where your experience is truly valued
If you are an experienced Operations Controller, Traffic Manager, or Allocations Manager looking for your next challenge in a respected coach operation, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply:
Please apply with your CV and a brief covering note to [email protected].
We are an equal opportunities employer. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Pay: £42,000.00-£48,800.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- planning & allocations: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Category D Licence (required)
- Transport Manager CPC in Passenger Transport (required)
Work Location: In person
