The First Bus Network CoE is responsible for bus service performance and producing the day-to-day operating plan for our fleet across the UK. Data and route performance analysis is key in managing our service profitability and reliability.
Our core services include designing bus routes and timetables, creating vehicle and driver duties to ensure operational efficiency and complying with regulatory requirements. Using advanced planning systems, the team also prepare contract and tender bids for First, all with the goal of supporting reliable and customer-focused delivery.
Position Summary
Responsible for creating efficient, legally compliant, and cost-effective bus and driver schedules. Reporting to a Senior Scheduler for their area, they play a critical role in ensuring that services are deliverable, optimised, and aligned with operational and commercial goals. They are the first point of contact for trade union relations before escalation and will foster these relationships for their area.
Key Responsibilities
* Duty and Roster Creation: Design and deliver efficient, compliant duties and rosters that align with network plans, operational constraints, driver availability, and trade union agreements, utilising the latest recommended software in First Bus.
* Tactical Scheduling and Service Change Support: Support tactical service change delivery, updating duties and rosters in response to timetable changes, operational disruptions, or local authority interventions.
* Resource Forecasting and Budgeting Support: Input into forecasting and budgeting, modelling the resource impact (e.g. drivers, hours, fleet) of planned and potential service changes.
* Regulatory and Agreement Compliance: Ensure compliance with trade union agreements, rest rules, and labour regulations – supporting operational delivery and workforce satisfaction.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate cross-functionally, working closely with Network Planning, Operations, and HR to ensure schedules support service quality and delivery goals.
* Supporting Driver Retention: Incorporate driver preferences where possible, supporting retention and wellbeing by shaping duties aligned to known preferences and operational feasibility.
* System Integration and Data Accuracy: Produce outputs for all other systems as required by the business and update them as appropriate including, EPM, DAS, Ticketer and BODS ensuring a high-quality standard of information is delivered, to required deadlines.
* Bid and Tender Support: Assist with the preparation of tender bids for submission, with support from the Network Planner/Planning Manager and Senior Scheduler where required.
* Fleet and EV Scheduling Adaptation: Support EV and fleet-specific planning, adapting rosters and duties to accommodate vehicle capabilities, charging infrastructure, and maintenance windows.
* Planning Cycle and Delivery Rhythm: Maintain a strong delivery rhythm, ensuring timely schedule production for change cycles and supporting structured planning, review, and sign-off processes.
* Performance Insight and Data Contribution: Provide data inputs and support performance tracking, helping the business understand how schedules impact cost, efficiency, and staff availability.
* Leadership Support and Flexibility: Where appropriate, deputising for the Senior Scheduler and the taking up of other responsibilities commensurate with the role as deemed appropriate by the Senior Scheduler/Schedules Manager.
Skills & Experience
* Analytical and Scheduling Expertise: Highly numerate and data-driven, with experience in the fundamentals of scheduling, optimisation, and workforce planning.
* Technical Proficiency: Understanding of scheduling and the Optibus scheduling system is preferred, though not essential.
* Local Operational Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
* Communication and Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in managing union relationships and cross-functional collaboration.
* EV Scheduling Familiarity: Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.
* Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high-pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
* Team Collaboration: Ability to work in a team.
* Delivery and Compliance: Ability to meet agreed legislative and internal process timescales.
We offer a range of benefits, including Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents, EAP provision, discounted train travel, free bus pass, cycle to work scheme, 25 days' holiday + bank holidays, pension scheme, and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
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