🚍 Operations Manager – Drive Change, Lead Excellence, Deliver Impact!

📍 Location: Somerset - Taunton/Yevoil/Minehead

First Bus is on the move — and we're looking for a high-energy, people-focused Operations Manager to help lead the way.

As a key member of our team, you won't just be running a depot — you'll be shaping the future of public transport in your community. This is your chance to step into a high-impact leadership role where operational excellence, safety, customer satisfaction, and staff engagement all come together.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the safe, punctual, and cost-effective delivery of bus services.
• Inspire and manage a diverse team across Somerset.
• Work hand-in-hand with engineering, commercial, and planning teams to keep operations smooth and efficient.
• Use data to drive decisions and continuous improvement in service performance.
• Build strong relationships with trade unions, local stakeholders, and community groups.
• Be the Site Responsible Person, ensuring top-tier compliance, governance, and safety standards.

What You'll Bring

• A passion for customer service and team development.
• Proven leadership in a unionised or fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach to risk, safety, and environmental responsibility.
• Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Passenger Transport — or ready to gain it.
• Financial acumen and a love for using data to make smart decisions.

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.

Ready to make a real impact where it matters most — on the road, in the depot, and in your community?

Apply now and bring your drive to First Bus

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.