HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Berry’s Coaches (Taunton) Ltd
Taunton, Somerset
Berry’s Coaches is an independent, employee-owned transport business with over 100 years of history and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality coach, bus and transport services across the South West and beyond.
Operating a diverse fleet across scheduled express services, private hire, UK and international tours and school contracts, the business is entering an ambitious new phase of operational development, cultural progression and long-term growth.
Following the company’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), we are seeking an experienced and capable Head of Operations to help lead the next stage of the company’s evolution.
This is a rare opportunity for the right individual to play a major role in helping modernise and professionalise operations within a long-established independent business, helping transition the company from a traditional family-run SME structure into a highly organised, well-managed and scalable employee-owned business positioned for ambitious future growth.
We are seeking somebody capable of strengthening operational structure, improving communication and accountability, developing managers and helping establish a high-performance, people-focused operational culture aligned with the long-term values of the business and its employee ownership model.
The successful candidate will become part of the company’s senior leadership team, working closely with the Managing Director and Board to help shape the long-term operational direction and strategic development of the business. The role will involve attendance at strategic and management meetings, contributing directly to operational planning, business improvement and future growth initiatives.
THE ROLE
This is a role focused on operational oversight, management, structure and long-term operational development.
The role is less focused on day-to-day transport allocation and live operational control, and instead centred around:
- Leadership
- Operational accountability
- Process and systems improvement
- Organisation and planning
- Communication
- Management development
- Cultural progression
Direct operational responsibility will include oversight of:
- Engineering & Workshops
- Operational Logistics
- Driver Management
- Compliance
- Overall Operational Communication & Structure
- Overall Operational Standards
Direct Line Management responsibility for:
· Transport Managers
· Workshop Manager
· Fleet Supervisor
· Operations Team
· Driver Workforce
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strengthen management systems to create structure, organisation and accountability across operational teams
- Improve operational communication, coordination and forward planning
- Improve operational standards, professionalism and presentation across the business
- Ensure managers and supervisors complete tasks and responsibilities in a timely manner and to a high standard
- Reduce reactive working practices through stronger systems, management controls and processes
- Develop managers and supervisors to approach problems with a ‘can-do’ attitude and make confident, consistent and commercially sound decisions
- Introduce and develop KPI reporting, operational performance measures and management visibility
- Strengthen customer feedback systems and drive operational improvements based on customer insight and identified trends.
- Maintain high standards of customer experience and satisfaction through effective leadership and oversight of all operational departments
- Ensure Compliance with Health and Safety policies across operational departments
- Lead positive cultural development across the business, helping establish clear behavioural expectations and professional standards, and driving engagement within an employee-owned and values-led environment.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for a strong operational leader with excellent people-management and communication skills.
You will likely have significant experience within operational leadership environments and demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and management capability
- Experience leading operational, structural or cultural change
- Ability to create structure, accountability and process improvement
- Calm, professional and solutions-focused leadership style, with a ‘can-do’ attitude
- Confidence managing people fairly, consistently and professionally
- Strong communication and organisational capability
- Ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable improvements
- Experience developing managers and improving team standards
- A modern approach to operations management and technology
- Competence in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email).
Experience within bus, coach, haulage or logistic service sectors would be advantageous, but leadership capability, operational mindset and cultural fit are considered more important than direct industry background.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Senior leadership opportunity within an established and ambitious independent business
- Genuine opportunity to influence operational standards, culture and long-term business development and strategy
- Employee ownership tax-free profit share
- Potential future involvement within Employee Ownership Trust governance
- Potential future development to board level position
- Employee-owned business environment
- Relocation support may be considered for the right candidate
- Competitive remuneration package
Remuneration Package
· £65-80,000 annual salary
· Car allowance
· Performance linked annual bonus
LOCATION & HOURS
Taunton, Somerset
This role requires strong visibility within the business and operational flexibility where required.
Pay: £65,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
