Job Advert
Job Role: Senior Operations Manager (Transport)
Location: North West, Wales, Yorkshire, North East (LS11DN)
Job type: Permanent, Full Time
Contracted: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday – adaptable working hours to meet operational requirements
Salary: £60,000 per year + £500 per month based on KPIs
Contractual benefit: Company Car or Car allowance
Benefits
* Cycle to work and Smart Tech Salary sacrifice Schemes – Employees have the option to participate in our Smart Tech Salary Sacrifice scheme, allowing them to access the latest technology devices through convenient, tax‑efficient deductions directly from their salary (subject to T&Cs)
* Exclusive discount scheme: You and your family & friends can benefit from over 3,000 offers on high street & leisure brand
* Access to company reward & recognition platform
Introduction
Welcome to Sasse, the Home of a family, a business that thrives on the potential of our people and the success of our teamwork. We are currently recruiting for a Senior Operations Manager to support Arriva, a major international bus operator. Covering four regions (North West, Wales, Yorkshire and the North East), this role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s most recognised transport networks.
Industry Overview
The bus cleaning and processing industry plays a critical role in keeping public transport moving safely and reliably. Services span the full lifecycle of vehicle presentation, including daily cleans, periodic deep cleaning, interior and exterior detailing, fuelling, AdBlue top‑ups, and end‑of‑service processing. Operations typically extend beyond the fleet itself, covering workshop, yard, and office cleaning to maintain safe and compliant depot environments. It’s a fast‑paced, service‑driven sector that demands strong coordination, quality assurance, and seamless delivery to support operators in keeping their fleets on the road.
The Role
As a Senior Operations Manager, you will take full ownership of the operational performance of multiple cleaning contracts, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. You will lead and develop operational teams, drive continuous improvement, ensure contractual and financial compliance, and maintain strong client relationships. You will also support strategic planning and act as deputy to the Head of Department when required.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate and develop managers and site teams, providing clear direction, coaching and support to ensure consistently high performance and alignment with company leadership principles.
* Oversee rota planning, performance management, absence control and employee engagement across all sites, ensuring teams are fully resourced and operating effectively.
* Manage recruitment, onboarding, training and development activities, working closely with the People & Practices team to build capable, high‑performing operational teams.
* Ensure compliant management of HR processes, including disciplinaries, grievances, investigations and capability procedures, maintaining fairness and alignment to company policies.
* Maintain a strong leadership presence across all sites, providing visibility, support and guidance to both managers and frontline staff.
* Ensure the delivery of high‑quality cleaning and facilities services that meet contractual KPIs, SLAs and customer expectations.
* Conduct regular site audits, inspections and quality assurance checks, identifying performance gaps and implementing corrective actions promptly.
* Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives, analysing performance trends and implementing initiatives that enhance productivity and service quality.
* Manage workforce planning, ensuring optimal staffing levels, effective equipment deployment and appropriate stock control across all operational areas.
* Support full budget management, including labour, materials, equipment, overheads and forecasting to ensure financial performance targets are met.
* Oversee accurate scheduling, wage processing and financial forecasting, ensuring transparency and alignment with the contract budget.
* Monitor financial performance, identify variances, recommend solutions and implement corrective measures to ensure budget adherence.
* Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted senior partner and ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction and contract stability.
* Serve as the senior escalation point for complaints, service issues and improvement requests, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
* Attend regular client and stakeholder meetings, presenting operational updates, performance metrics and improvement plans.
* Lead the mobilisation of new contracts, ensuring smooth implementation, resource allocation, training and delivery readiness; manage contract exits professionally when required.
* Support the rollout and adoption of new technologies and operational tools, contributing to digital transformation and improved performance visibility.
* Implement and optimise digital reporting tools and dashboards, using data to monitor KPIs, measure service quality and drive improvements.
* Champion a strong health & safety culture, ensuring safe working practices, adherence to legislation and completion of risk assessments across all sites.
* Ensure compliance with ISO, quality management, environmental and sustainability standards, supporting both internal and external audits and driving continuous improvement.
* Prepare weekly and monthly reports, summarising operational performance, financial outcomes and improvement activities for internal and client review.
* Act as deputy for the Head of Department when required, overseeing key operational functions and ensuring continuity of leadership.
Essential Requirements
* Strong experience in managing large‑scale, multi‑site cleaning or FM operations preferably within the public transport sector.
* Ability to influence, lead and motivate diverse teams; proven track record managing senior operational teams.
* Strong experience handling large budgets and meeting financial targets.
* Solid understanding of cleaning standards, methods, equipment and technologies.
* Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
* Strong communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills.
* Results‑driven and adaptable with working hours, including early mornings, evenings to meet operational, client or site requirements; able to handle urgent operational issues when required.
* Full UK driving licence.
What We Offer
* Access to a rewards gateway platform offering substantial discounts online and in‑store with top brands.
* Options to participate in a cycle‑to‑work scheme through salary sacrifice.
* Employees have the option to participate in our Smart Tech Salary Sacrifice scheme, allowing them to access the latest technology devices through convenient, tax‑efficient deductions directly from their salary.
* We value ongoing education and offer opportunities for further training and professional development.
* Company vehicle or Car Allowance.
Why Join Sasse
Sasse is a company that prides itself on being at the forefront of technology and recognising the value of people in our organisation. We value our customers and believe that customers and people should be the focus of everything that we do. If that sounds like you, and you want to be part of a fantastic team with uncapped opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Sasse is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels.
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