Head of Operations
Salary: £70,000 + £350 Car allowance
Location: Heathrow
I’m recruiting for a Head of Operations on behalf of a well-established UK bus operator.
This is a senior, depot-based leadership role, reporting directly to the Managing Director, with full responsibility for operational performance, safety, people, and service delivery.
The Role of the Head of Operations
* Lead all day-to-day bus operations
* Manage drivers, supervisors, and traffic/allocations teams
* Own depot performance, compliance, and customer experience
* Drive operational efficiency, reliability, and profitability
* Be a visible, professional leader who sets standards and leads by example
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Operations
* Full accountability for depot and operational staff performance
* Ensure DVSA, operator licence & Health & Safety compliance
* Deliver service levels, budgets, and agreed KPIs
* Plan staffing to meet daily and future operational demand
* Manage HR matters, appraisals, conduct, absence, and training
* Lead driver inductions and ongoing development
* Drive collision reduction, injury prevention, and passenger safety
* Maintain strong relationships with trade unions and local authorities
* Improve punctuality, lost miles, and service performance
* Ensure correct cash handling and reporting procedures
* Identify revenue opportunities (fleet use, contracts, partnerships)
KPI Accountability (Daily)
You’ll ensure your management team delivers:
* Drug & alcohol testing
* Driving licence checks
* Gate checks (run-out & run-back)
* Service monitoring (roadside / ticketer)
* Depot departure punctuality checks
(All KPIs recorded and reported electronically)
What You’ll Need as the Head of Operations
* Senior operations experience within bus / coach / transport
* Strong knowledge of Drivers’ Hours & Working Time Regulations
* Confident managing large driver teams and depot operations#
* Transport Manager CPC (Essential)
* Experience working with trade unions
* IT-literate (Microsoft Office)
* Trapeze & Ticketer knowledge (desirable)
If you are interested in the Head of Operations role, then please apply today