We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Scheduler to join our Network team on a full time permanent basis. This is a hybrid role and will be based from our Leeds, Hunslet Park depot.

The Senior Scheduler plays a pivotal role in the development and delivery of efficient, legally compliant, and cost-effective bus and driver schedules. Reporting to the Schedules Manager for each of the respective businesses, this role ensures that services are operationally deliverable and commercially viable. The Senior Scheduler also oversees the day-to-day activities of the scheduling team, ensuring alignment with trade union agreements and supporting continuous improvement in scheduling practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Local Lead for Duty and Roster Creation: Design and deliver efficient, compliant duties and rosters that align with network plans, operational constraints, driver availability, and trade union agreements, utilising the latest recommended software in First Bus.
• Tactical Scheduling and Service Change Lead: Act as the local lead for tactical service change delivery, updating duties and rosters in response to timetable changes, operational disruptions, or local authority interventions.
• Resource Forecasting and Budgeting: Act as the primary point of contact for local input into forecasting and budgeting, modelling the resource impact (e.g. drivers, hours, fleet) of planned and potential service changes
• Regulatory and Agreement Compliance: Ensure compliance with trade union agreements, rest rules, and labour regulations – supporting operational delivery and workforce satisfaction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate cross-functionally, working closely with Network Planning, Operations, and HR to ensure schedules support service quality and delivery goals.
• Supporting Driver Retention: Incorporate driver preferences where possible, supporting retention and wellbeing by shaping duties aligned to known preferences and operational feasibility
• System Integration and Data Accuracy: Produce outputs for all other systems as required by the business and update them as appropriate including, EPM, DAS, Ticketer and BODS ensuring a high-quality standard of information is delivered, to required deadlines.
• Local Lead for Bid and Tender Support: From a local perspective, lead with the preparation of tender bids for submission for a scheduling perspective, with support from the Network Planner/Planning Manager and Scheduler where required.
• Fleet and EV Scheduling Adaptation: Support EV and fleet-specific planning, adapting rosters and duties to accommodate vehicle capabilities, charging infrastructure, and maintenance windows.
• Planning Cycle and Delivery Rhythm: Create and sustain a strong delivery rhythm within their teams, ensuring timely schedule production for change cycles and supporting structured planning, review, and sign-off processes.
• Performance Insight and Data Contribution: Provide and analyse data inputs and support performance tracking, helping the business understand how schedules impact cost, efficiency, and staff availability.
• Leadership Support and Flexibility: Where appropriate, deputising for the Schedules Manager to ensure work continues day-to-day, and the taking up of other responsibilities commensurate with the role as deemed appropriate by the Schedules Manager.

Skills/Experience

• Analytical and Scheduling Expertise: Highly numerate and data-driven, with experience in the fundamentals of scheduling, optimisation, and workforce planning.
• Technical Proficiency: Understanding of scheduling and the Optibus scheduling system is preferred, though not essential.
• Local Operational Knowledge: Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.
• Communication and Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in managing union relationships and cross[1]functional collaboration.
• EV Scheduling Familiarity: Knowledge of electric vehicle scheduling considerations is desirable.
• Performance Under Pressure: Ability to work in a high-pressured environment consistently delivering on objectives within timeframe.
• Delegation and Team Collaboration: Ability to delegate effectively and work in a team.
• Delivery and Compliance: Ability to meet agreed legislative and internal process timescales.

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
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• 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.

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.