Head of Operations - Southern Counties

Arriva is not just one of the biggest transport organisations in the area. We are one of the biggest in Europe, which means more opportunities for you and our vision is to be recognised as the leading transport service provider.

Arriva Southern Counties is recruiting for a Head of Operations to join their team in Maidstone. The purpose of this role is to oversee strategies to ensure that optimum service is delivered within the Area as efficiently as possible. Demonstrating effective Leadership of teams and creating the right environment for effective delivery of a safe and compliant service, whilst seeking continual improvement and enhanced profitability. This role is full time, permanent and requires travel across Southern Counties.

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  Lead the delivery of outstanding service delivery and operational compliance and excellence. Provide leadership and support to General Managers to deliver excellent levels of all round performance and improved operating profit. Utilise effective and efficient business performance management tools to engage depot management teams in taking personal responsibility for the success of the business.
• Ensure General Managers deliver excellent service delivery in accordance with Company Policies and Procedures. Establish and maintain business relationships critical to local performance.
• Manage the preparation and implementation of annual budgets, ensuring targets are challenging, achievable and motivational. Focus on value-adding business activities to maximise revenue and control operating costs. Continuously review financial performance against budget and identify appropriate action plans to address any shortfall. Include relevant parties in the decision-making process and encourage empowerment whenever possible.
• Continuously review the operating terrain, identify areas, processes and systems which through innovation can be substantially improved. Be a champion for creative thinking, supporting and challenging managers to develop robust change programmes in order to deliver local business objectives. Be accountable for new ideas, accepting some will be calculated risks. Ensure that best practice is shared and sort throughout UK Bus.
• Engage and motivate operational teams through effective leadership and communication forums to become high performing units, ensure depot management teams have the skills and capabilities to deliver local business objectives.
• Be visible, credible, knowledgeable and approachable, role-modelling standards of high business and personal performance. Forge strong working relationships with key stakeholders
• As a Senior Manager you have overall responsibility for ensuring adequate organisation and arrangements exist for the effective implementation of the Company Health and Safety Policy, and ensuring compliance with all statutory obligations. Detailed H&S Responsibilities are published in the Arriva HS&E Management System

• Previous management experience in a similar environment is essential.
• Solid, demonstrable experience of leading teams in a demanding, fast paced environment that focusses on service delivery.
• Strong ‘people’ skills and an ability to forge excellent working relationships with a wide range of internal/external stakeholders.
• Trade Union experience is essential.
• Excellent understanding and effective management of Health and Safety.
• Proven ability to inspire and engage others to achieve success.
• Strong track record of hitting targets and introducing new and improved ways of working.
• Well-developed organisational, negotiating, decision- making and analytical skills.
• Tenacious, resilient and self- motivated.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong track record of managing/delivering budgets.
• Commercial acumen and flair.
• Proficient IT Skills
• Flexibility and ability to innovate.

At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.

Benefits:

• Free local bus travel for you and your family (rules and conditions apply).
• Enjoy discounts with major retailers through Arriva's employee benefits portal, The Village.
• Helping you save for the future with access to a pension scheme.