Head of Operations - Stagecoach Manchester & Merseyside

Salary

*** To be based in either Manchester or Merseyside region ***

This is a pivotal leadership role within the Manchester & Merseyside OpCo, reporting directly to the Operations Director. You’ll have accountability for the day-to-day running of our bus network, from  service delivery to depot management and driver workforce, making sure that every route runs safely, reliably and to the standard our passengers deserve. It’s a big job, and a hugely rewarding one. You’ll lead a large, dedicated team of operations professionals, work closely with Local Transport Authorities across Manchester & Merseyside, and play a central role in shaping the future of our network. If you’re an experienced operations leader with a passion for public transport and the drive to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
 
What you’ll be doing

• You’ll have responsibility for the performance of our bus network across Manchester & Merseyside, on-time running, lost mileage, vehicle availability, and service reliability. Working with your management teams, you’ll make sure we deliver the network our passengers and Local Transport Authority partners expect, every single day.
• Safety is the foundation of everything we do. You’ll work within the operational safety management framework, ensure full compliance with DVSA requirements and Traffic Commissioner expectations, and drive a genuine safety-first culture across every depot and every shift. When incidents occur, you’ll lead the response with rigour, transparency, and a relentless focus on learning.
• You’ll lead a substantial operational workforce, creating an environment where people are engaged, supported and proud of the service they deliver. You’ll oversee workforce planning, driver recruitment, and retention, and work constructively with our recognised trade unions to maintain positive industrial relations.
• You’ll drive continuous improvement across all operational functions, identifying inefficiencies, reducing costs, improving processes, and making better use of data and technology to lift performance. You’ll work closely with the OD and finance team to manage the operational budget and contribute to the annual business planning cycle.
• Our passengers are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll make sure that operational decisions are made with the customer in mind, whether that’s how quickly we recover from disruption, how our drivers interact with passengers, or how reliably we run the services people plan their lives around. You’ll work with the commercial team to act on customer feedback and drive-up satisfaction scores across the network.

 
What we’re looking for

• Significant operations management experience, ideally within bus, coach, rail or another large-scale passenger transport environment.
• A strong track record of managing complex, large depot, or multi-site operations with responsibility for service delivery, safety, fleet, and workforce.
• Sound knowledge of the UK bus regulatory framework, DVSA standards, Traffic Commissioner requirements and Operator Licence obligations.
• Experience of managing large operational workforces, including driver recruitment and retention, shift planning, and absence management.
• Solid financial acumen, with experience of managing operational budgets and contributing to business planning and efficiency programmes.
• A confident, visible leader who engages authentically with people at every level, from the depot floor to ExCo.
• Experience of building and sustaining positive relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
• A track record of embedding safety-first cultures and continuous improvement disciplines in operational organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience of working with local authorities, public bodies, or regulatory organisations.
• The ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective under pressure when operational challenges arise.

Our working environment

Stagecoach is proud to be an inclusive employer. Across our depots, we foster a welcoming environment where everyone is treated with respect and supported to thrive. You’ll have access to employee networks, wellbeing resources, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme to support you and your family.

Ready to lead the way?

Click apply to start your Stagecoach journey. We can’t wait to welcome you on board!

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

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