Job Title - Mobilisation Manager 

Contract Type - Full-Time, Permanent 

About Us

First Bus is one of the country's largest bus operators – taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. We're a forward-looking business at the forefront of bus technology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and real time information. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future. It's an exciting time to be here.

About the role 

The Mobilisation Manager is a senior leader responsible for delivering end-to-end mobilisation of new or transitioning public transport services. As the main client contact, they ensure all activities meet timelines, scope, and compliance requirements. Primarily site-based with regular travel, the role involves hands-on leadership to ensure readiness and successful execution, including the critical Go-Live weekend. This role will coordinate internal teams, stakeholders, and delivery partners to ensure operational, safety, and commercial objectives are met.

This high-profile role is key to launching new contracts and driving long-term success, promoting quality, innovation, and alignment with First Bus values and client expectations.

Accountabilities

• Manage the mobilisation programme plan, ensuring alignment with commercial, operational, and safety objectives.
• Support and coordinate with individual workstream leads to ensure delivery across all areas of the mobilisation (e.g. HR, fleet, systems, depot readiness, customer service).
• Provide visible, effective leadership to the cross-functional mobilisation team, creating a high-performance culture and clear accountability.
• Act as the senior point of contact for the client and key external stakeholders, ensuring open, transparent, and solution-focused communication.
• Ensure full compliance with contractual Conditions Precedent, regulatory obligations, and internal governance frameworks.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting to internal stakeholders and clients, including progress updates, risk escalations, and milestone tracking.
• Support the bidding and mobilisation planning process for new contract opportunities.
• Identify and promote innovation, service improvements, and opportunities for business growth during mobilisation and early operational phases.
• Ensure mobilisation delivery is aligned with approved budgets, commercial commitments, and profitability targets.

About you 

• Proven experience in leading large-scale mobilisation or service transition programmes, ideally within public transport, franchising, or other regulated environments.
• Relevant project and programme management qualifications or training
• Demonstrated success in delivering mobilisation programmes that meet contract milestones, achieve operational readiness, and ensure compliance with client and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing and motivating high-performing, cross-functional teams in time-critical settings.
• Understanding of TUPE, union engagement, workforce onboarding, and the operational mobilisation of frontline staff.
• Commercially astute with strong financial awareness and the ability to assess business viability, risks, and commercial obligations.
• Skilled at engaging and influencing a broad range of stakeholders, including public authorities, government agencies, client representatives, and senior internal stakeholders.

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
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• 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.