About First Bus:

Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.

Location: UK based - flexible location

Contract: Full Time, permanent

At First Bus, we're helping shape the future of public transport. As franchising continues to transform the industry, we're looking for a Network & Operations Lead to play a key role in developing winning franchise proposals and delivering innovative transport solutions for our customers and local authority partners.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic thinking, operational expertise and network planning knowledge to influence some of the most significant opportunities in the UK bus market.

About the Role

As our Network & Operations Lead, you'll take ownership of network design, compliance and operational solution development across franchise bidding activity.

Working closely with colleagues across the business, you'll ensure that proposed networks are fully compliant, operationally deliverable and aligned to client requirements. You'll play a pivotal role in translating complex franchise specifications into robust, evidence-based solutions that can be mobilised successfully and sustained in operation.

You'll also lead the development of operational delivery and customer plans, ensuring our bids are not only competitive but ready for implementation from day one.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the development of compliant, customer-focused and operationally credible network proposals across franchise bids

• Ensuring network solutions meet tender specifications, contractual requirements and local authority expectations

• Developing integrated operational delivery and customer plans that support successful service delivery

• Providing assurance, governance and oversight of network assumptions, data and modelling

• Working collaboratively across multiple functions to develop end-to-end bid solutions

• Identifying and mitigating risks while presenting clear recommendations to stakeholders

• Supporting the creation of mobilisation-ready solutions that can transition seamlessly into operation

• Driving continuous improvement, innovation and the use of digital tools and AI to enhance bid development

• Leading, coaching and developing team capability while fostering a culture of collaboration and delivery excellence

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a highly analytical and commercially minded leader with experience in network planning, franchise bidding or transport operations.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience in network planning, franchise bids or operational transport environments

• A strong understanding of franchise specifications, compliance requirements and public procurement processes

• Experience developing data-led, operationally deliverable solutions

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills

• Strong analytical, modelling and problem-solving capabilities

• The ability to work at pace within a complex and evolving environment

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering successful outcomes

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

• Experience within bus franchising or public service contracts

• Knowledge of scheduling, resource modelling and operational planning

• Understanding of governance, risk management and contract requirements

Rewards

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
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• Flexible working

Equal Opportunities

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.