STANLEY TRAVEL (NORTH EAST) LIMITED
VACANCY FOR BUS & COACH OPERATIONS MANAGER
JOB TITLE - OPERATIONS MANAGER
A vacancy has arisen for a Bus and Coach Operations Manager for a well respected, long established privately-owned company. The ideal candidate will primarily be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the private coach and bus functions of the business, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost effective delivery of coach hire, tour, education, corporate and event transport services. This role requires high standards of customer experience, regulatory compliance and driver performance while supporting business growth and service excellence.
The new role will be an important part of the Company’s management team and is integral in upholding DVSA Earned Recognition, Guild of British Coach Operators and other trade association standards.
THE COMPANY
The Limited Company is an award-winning passenger transport company which was established in 1961 and has grown into the successful business it is today. It employs almost one hundred staff – both full and part time, over various roles. Staff retention is incredibly good. The Company values its people, and the Directors believe that these people are what has made the business what it is today, in terms of success and customer service.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate directly or indirectly in recruitment or employment because of disability, gender reassignments, maternity (which includes pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), race, ethnic origin, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or status as a carer, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.
THE CANDIDATE
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day bus and coach operations to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations.
- Plan and coordinate daily and long-term coach operations including private hires, tours, contracts, schools, airport transfers and corporate events.
- Assist in allocating vehicles and drivers efficiently to meet customer requirements and business needs.
- Manage operational changes, last‑minute bookings, breakdowns and disruptions.
- Respond to customer queries and enquiries via telephone and email.
Fleet & Compliance
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to manage and understand fleet availability.
- Ensure compliance with transport regulations, operator licensing requirements, and safety standards.
- Monitor tachograph data, driver hours and working time regulations.
- Oversee daily walk‑around checks and defect reporting procedures.
- Manage and upkeep vehicle telematics and CCTV systems.
Financial & Commercial Responsibility
- Monitor operational costs including fuel and vehicle utilisation.
- Improve fleet utilisation and profitability.
- Contribute to business growth strategies and service expansion.
Qualifications & Experience
- At least three years’ experience in coach/bus operations and transport management.
- Knowledge of bus and coach industry regulations and compliance standards.
- Strong understanding of driver hours regulations and compliance requirements.
- Sturdy leadership and team management experience.
- Experience with booking and scheduling software (preferably Distinctive Systems / Coach Manager) and fleet management systems (preferably Distinctive Systems / Vehicle Maintenance System).
- Valid PCV driving licence and enhanced DBS clearance.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Excellent leadership and people management.
- Strong organisational and logistical planning skills.
- Strong problem‑solving under pressure.
- IT proficiency (scheduling software, fleet systems).
- Commitment to high safety and compliance standards.
Hours & Salary
- May require early mornings, evenings, weekends or on‑call duties.
- Combination of office‑based and depot/site‑based work.
- Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Why Join Us?
- 65 year established family ran business.
- Member of DVSA Earned Recognition, demonstrating high compliance standards and a strong safety culture.
- A genuinely influential leadership role at the core of the business.
- Support and development to help you succeed at management level.
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