About Us

At First Bus, we're on a journey to transform travel – making it more sustainable, more efficient, and more accessible for the communities we serve. As one of the UK's leading public transport providers, we operate a fleet of thousands of buses across major towns and cities, helping millions of passengers get to where they need to be every year.

We're proud to be driving innovation in the industry – from introducing low and zero-emission vehicles to investing in digital ticketing and real-time passenger information. Our people are at the heart of our business, and we're committed to creating an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace where talent thrives and careers grow.

Join us as we shape the future of public transport and make a real difference to everyday journeys.

About the role 

We are looking for a Data Engineering & Operations Lead to join our growing Data team at First Bus.

This is a critical leadership role at the heart of our data transformation journey. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the core data infrastructure that underpins decision-making across the business. As we continue to scale our use of data, your leadership will ensure our Azure-based platform is robust, scalable, and fully aligned with the needs of the business.

You'll play a key role in evolving our Azure environment into a modern, business-ready data platform – shaping its technical architecture, setting engineering standards, and delivering high-impact data solutions. You'll also lead and mentor a team of data engineers, providing direction on priorities, driving best practices, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable data pipelines and services.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining deep technical expertise with leadership and strategy to make a real difference in how data is used across an organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and optimise the Azure-based data platform to support current and future analytics needs.
• Lead and develop the Data Engineering team, including line management and technical oversight.
• Work with the Head of Data & Analytics to prioritise and coordinate workload for the engineering function.
• Drive the transformation of our Azure environment from a traditional data warehouse to a modern, business-aligned data marketplace.
• Ensure strong data governance and maintain data lineage across datasets.
• Research and evaluate alternative tools and technologies for continuous improvement.
• Identify new sources of data to enhance analytical capabilities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to meet evolving data needs through well-prioritised, high-impact data solutions.
• Ensure solutions meet security, privacy, and compliance requirements.
• Support the professional development of the wider D&A team through sharing best practices and technical coaching.

Skills and Experience

• Expert in Azure administration and optimisation, including efficient scaling and resource class management.
• Expert in data architecture, modelling, and ETL performance tuning.
• Excellent SQL & PowerShell skills.
• Programming experience in R or similar statistical languages is beneficial.
• Experience with structuring project work using tools like JIRA.
• Strong experience working with large, complex datasets and performance analysis.
• Experience with visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills – able to articulate complex technical concepts to senior stakeholders.
• Comfortable working across functions including Data Science, BI, IT, and business units.
• Proven ability to build scalable, well-documented solutions that can be reused and extended by others.
• Commercial and financial awareness.
• Degree educated in a numeric, scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• Leadership experience with a collaborative, supportive management style.

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Flexible working

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.

Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.