Coach Fleet Operations Manager
Help lead one of the UK's most unique sleeper coach operations.
About Vans For Bands
Vans For Bands (VFB) is one of Europe’s leading providers of specialist passenger transport to the live entertainment industry. From major concert tours and festivals to television productions, sporting events and film shoots, we move the people who make world-class productions happen.
With Europe’s largest fleet of luxury splitter vans and a rapidly expanding sleeper coach division, we are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking for an exceptional operations professional to help shape the future of the business.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Coach Fleet Operations Manager to join us at our Begbroke depot in Oxfordshire to take ownership of our growing luxury sleeper coach operation. You will help lead a team of professional PSV drivers, assist in overseeing operational performance, ensure compliance, and help deliver an exceptional experience for both our drivers and clients.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational judgement, excellent people management skills and the ability to solve problems quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Help lead the day-to-day operations of our luxury sleeper coach fleet.
- Act as the primary operational contact for drivers and provide support when issues arise.
- Manage, coach and develop a team of approximately 30 drivers.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management.
- Assist the Transport Manager in maintaining Operator Licence compliance.
- Oversee driver infringements and CPC compliance.
- Manage insurance claims and fleet-related operational issues.
- Conduct quality and compliance checks across the fleet.
- Lead driver communications and operational briefings (including occasional out of hours comms)
- Support client relationships and service delivery during tours and hires.
- Participate in the out-of-hours support rota (approximately one week in four).
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and service standards.
What Success Looks Like
- Sleeper coach operations consistently delivering exceptional service standards.
- Driver engagement, training and retention continue to improve.
- Compliance processes are proactive, robust and audit-ready.
- Clients provide excellent feedback on operational delivery.
- The fleet operation scales successfully alongside business growth.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Previous experience in PSV or coach operations.
- Experience managing operational teams and drivers.
- Strong understanding of transport compliance and operational processes.
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong IT literacy, including Microsoft 365.
Desirable:
- Experience using Coach Manager and Vehicle Management Systems.
- Operator Licence compliance experience.
- Transport, logistics or fleet planning experience.
- Health & Safety qualifications or willingness to work towards them.
Why Join Vans For Bands?
- Work in a unique and exciting sector supporting live music, entertainment, sport, film and TV.
- Genuine opportunity to influence the future growth of a specialist fleet operation.
- Ongoing training opportunities
- Company pension.
- Long-term career progression opportunities within a growing business.
Hours & Location
Full-time position (40 paid hours per week including breaks)
Monday to Friday
Based at our Begbroke depot in Oxfordshire
Out-of-hours support rota: approximately one week in four
Salary
Highly competitive salary tailored to experience and skills
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: On the road
