Operations Manager

Operations Manager - Stagecoach Bus / Transport

Stagecoach South West is the number 1 public transport company in the region, with Exeter Depot having over 450 staff, 166 vehicles, and 24 million annual passengers. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to take our fast-growing business to the next level and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Do you thrive when you're leading teams, optimising operations, and helping thousands of customers have reliable journeys every day?

We're looking for a hands-on, dynamic Operations Manager to join our Exeter depot. You'll be responsible for ensuring that our bus services run safely, on time, and to the highest standard, helping both customers and colleagues have a positive experience. This is a key leadership role where you'll oversee frontline operations, support a large driver team, and act as a vital link between service delivery and our strategic priorities. Your decisions will directly impact thousands of daily journeys, making sure customers feel safe, informed, and well cared for. From maintaining service reliability to promoting a safety-first culture across the depot, your influence will help shape how passengers experience Stagecoach in their everyday lives.

What you'll be doing

• Overseeing daily depot operations: ensuring service schedules are met, driver rosters are managed, vehicle availability is maximised.
• Monitoring performance metrics (punctuality, reliability, lost mileage, cost control etc.), identifying root causes for under performance and delivering continuous improvement.
• Leading, coaching and developing the operations team to deliver outstanding customer service.
• Ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and company standards (e.g. DVSA, driver standards) every day.
• Working collaboratively across various teams & stakeholders to resolve issues, improve operational efficiency and respond well to service disruptions.
• Being the point of escalation for operational issues, dealing with incidents, customer concerns and ensuring correct processes are followed.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in a transport/bus operations environment
• Strong leadership skills with ability to lead and motivate teams, manage performance and create a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent organisational skills, with ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure.
• Good analytical ability; comfortable with using data / performance metrics to drive change.
• Strong communication skills

Why join Stagecoach at Exeter?

• A meaningful role, you keep your community moving, helping people get to work, healthcare, leisure and beyond.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including company pension and company car
• Development opportunities, we believe in growing people. Clear paths for progression to senior operations roles.
• Training & support, we'll help you learn anything that's new, and you'll be backed by experienced colleagues.
• A supportive, inclusive working culture, safe environments, good equipment, colleagues who work together, and our commitment to valuing diversity.

Our culture & values

At Stagecoach, safety is our top priority. We believe in working together, being each other's support, and putting customers at the heart of what we do. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Ready to lead and make an impact?

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV. We'll review it, invite you for a chat, show you around the depot, and talk through what life is like working at Stagecoach Exeter.

Applications close date will be Friday 17th October although subject to earlier date based on application levels.

Our culture

Stagecoach is made up of a diverse community of people who support and empower each other, creating a culture of inclusivity and respect.

We believe that diversity not only enriches our company culture but also makes us stronger and more innovative as a team.

We welcome applications from everyone and can't wait for you to join the Stagecoach team!

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location: Exeter Depot Matford Park Road Exeter EX2 8FD