About First Bus:
Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
As part of our transformation programme, we are strengthening operational leadership across the business to match leadership capacity with the scale and complexity of our markets. The Senior General Manager role plays a critical part in delivering that ambition.
About the role
The Senior General Manager leads the delivery of safe, reliable and high-performing bus operations across a complex operating area or cluster of depots.
Reporting to a Service Delivery Director, this role provides senior operational leadership across multiple locations, integrating operational and engineering performance while leading service recovery and sustained performance improvement where required.
You will oversee depot leadership teams, providing clear direction, coaching and intervention in complex or high-risk environments. The role also acts as a key escalation point for operational, safety and people matters, ensuring consistent standards, strong governance and high-quality customer outcomes across the area.
Key responsibilities
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Own end-to-end service delivery performance across the operating area, ensuring safe, punctual and reliable services across multiple depots.
- Lead recovery and stabilisation in complex or underperforming locations, addressing systemic operational and engineering issues.
- Integrate operational and engineering planning to ensure fleet reliability, compliance and service continuity.
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to depot management teams, strengthening capability and building succession for future operational leaders.
- Use operational and customer insight to identify performance risks, prioritise interventions and drive sustained service improvement.
- Ensure strong governance, safety and regulatory compliance across all operational activity within the area.
- Support delivery of regional operational improvement initiatives and transformation programmes.
- Make operational decisions with a clear understanding of commercial impact, protecting revenue performance, cost efficiency and customer outcomes.
About you
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Senior operational leader with experience managing complex, multi-site operations in safety-critical or regulated environments.
- Proven track record of delivering operational performance and leading recovery or improvement across multiple locations.
- Strong experience working closely with engineering or technical teams to deliver fleet reliability and operational performance.
- Highly capable people leader with experience developing senior managers and building leadership capability.
- Commercially aware, able to balance operational decisions with financial and customer outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, able to use data and insight to drive improvement.
- Resilient and visible leader who builds trust, drives accountability and role models strong leadership behaviours.
- Passionate about delivering safe, reliable services that support customers and local communities.
Salary - Competitive, plus up to 30% annual bonus
Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.
Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.
Rewards
Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
- We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
- Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
- Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
- Flexible working
Equal Opportunities
Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.
