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