We are currently looking for a Staff Manager/Forward Allocator (dual role) who possesses great people management and organisational skills, to manage operations at our Halifax Depot. You will be responsible for managing a team of circa 200 employees including supervisors and drivers, ensuring that we have high quality drivers covering our network in an efficient manner. 

You will be passionate about people and inspire the delivery of consistently high levels of service for our customers, delivering the brilliant basics, day in day out.

Accountabilities

• Develop trusting working relationships amongst all colleagues by being visible around the depot, engaging with drivers, local management team and all departments.
• Lead colleagues through processes of continuous improvement, encouraging ideas and innovation, and recognising achievement.
• Engage and develop an effective working relationship with recognised trade union representatives and officials.
• Lead, inspire and motivate colleagues within your areas of responsibility.
• Support the Site Responsible Person for all aspects of depot compliance and governance.
• Ensure safe, punctual, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of services.
• Manage exceptions, but then to utilise continuous improvement to reduce the number and impact of those exceptions.
• Deliver excellent customer experience by analysing leading and lagging indicators (e.g., complaints, contacts, feedback, commendations) and acting upon insights.
• Deliver agreed plans and budgets, including established level of service and service quality.
• Manage the DAS Web system and deal with driver enquiries in relation to allocation.
• Develop an effective working relationship with colleagues to maintain the service and work to cover duties as appropriate.
• Prepare all weekly paid grade payroll documentation and responsibility for accurate entries on all documentation.
• Collate and deliver statistics and reports, including extracting reports from Das Gui, in accordance with set timescales or as requested and to carry out regular audits on the 
  information collated.

Skills/Experience 

• Previous management or supervisory experience (within the bus/transport industry preferred, but not essential).
• Experience of duty allocation systems.
• Experience and understanding of generating payroll efficiencies.
• Creativity: the ability to problem-solve in a creative, yet structured, manner.
• Ability to maintain a view of the big picture yet have a depth of knowledge of the detailed day-to-day requirements of running a depot.
• Analytical mindset and ability to extract insights from data.
• Ability to lead and inspire people to seek and follow operational best practice.

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.

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.