Schedules Manager

First Bus

Schedules Manager overseeing scheduling functions and teams for First Bus. Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational efficiency and compliance in bus service delivery.

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeBristol • 🇬🇧 United KingdomJuniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee the scheduling function within the organisation's core businesses.
Ensure the delivery of efficient, compliant, and cost-effective duty and roster schedules.
Manage a team of Senior Schedulers and Schedulers.
Drive performance, innovation, and alignment with operational and strategic goals.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Network Planning, Operations, and HR to align schedules with strategic goals.
Lead the development and optimisation of driver duties and rosters.
Ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Service Change Checkpoints.
Contribute to crisis and contingency planning, ensuring scheduling flexibility and responsiveness to service disruptions.
Drive continuous improvement in scheduling practices and oversee compliance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing scheduling teams.
High level of numeracy and data literacy, with experience in workforce planning and optimisation.
Proficiency in scheduling systems (e.g. Optibus) and understanding of scheduling principles and constraints.
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including trade union negotiation.
Commercial awareness and experience contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and tender processes.
Knowledge of regulatory and legal frameworks related to driver hours and scheduling compliance.
Experience in managing scheduling for electric vehicle (EV) fleets is desirable.
Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility is preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you!
Cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
Discounts on high street brands and supermarkets
Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service
Free bus pass
Cycle to work scheme
25 days' holiday + bank holidays
Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
Flexible working

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

scheduling systemsworkforce planningdata literacyscheduling principlesscheduling optimisationbudgetingforecastingtender processesregulatory complianceelectric vehicle scheduling

Soft Skills

leadershipteam managementstakeholder engagementcommunicationtrade union negotiationcommercial awarenesscrisis planningcontinuous improvementflexibilityresponsiveness