Background
The UK government is determined to deliver better bus services, grow passenger numbers and kickstart economic growth, by supporting local authorities to take back control of their local bus services.
The UK Government is in the process of providing all Local Authorities (powers currently limited to Metro Regions) the powers to franchise bus services, as an alternative model for operating bus services, moving away from the existing deregulated model.
In a franchised bus scheme, the Local Authority determines the details of the service to be provided – where they run, when they run and the standards of services for example they will determine the route, timetable, fares and branding.Operators tender to run a Franchise and operate services under contract to the local authority.
Metroline successfully won four Franchises in the Greater Manchester region, the first region in the UK to introduce a Bus Franchising Scheme. The operation of the Franchises will commence on 5th January 2025.
Due to the increasing number of bus franchising opportunities arising in the UK and our ambitious growth targets, it has been decided to expand our bid team with the introduction of the position of Head of Operations who will help develop competitive tenders for new bus franchises in UK.
Location
ComfortDelGro House, Cricklewood, London, NW2 6JP with option of hybrid working
Whilst the Bid Team is centred in London, the role will require some travel and time spent in the locations of the bidding opportunities.
Job summary
* An active member of the Bid team working on bus franchise tenders across the UK
* Lead the Operations workstreams within Bids
* Work with other Bid Team members to submit a fully compliant Bid
Main Responsibilities
* Join the Bid Team and work on bus franchise tenders across the UK.
* Lead the Operations workstreams within the Bids and be accountable for:
Demonstration of credentials
Developing the Depot Operational Plan
Developing the Service Delivery Plan
Developing the Depot Operational Structures
Developing the Service Delivery Structures
Developing the Service Delivery / Operational costs
Developing additional revenue opportunities
Developing Customer innovations
Developing the Stakeholder engagement plan
Developing the Communications Plan
Researching case studies
* Ensure requirements from the client are understood and formulate strategies with the other Bid Team members that will form a compliant response.
* Research best practice from around the world, assess suitability and if appropriate write up the initiative and develop fully costed solutions,
* Ensure deadlines are delivered,
* Ensure Bid budget is adequate,
* Ensure all initiatives developed with implications for other workstreams are communicated to the appropriate team members
* Work with other team members to ensure a joined up and methodical approach to the Bid.
* Contribute to the wider Bid (e.g. cost modelling and reviewing)
* Review Operational Management Practises in the CDG Europe Business Units and recommend opportunities for improvement (outside tender periods)
* Conduct Due Diligence on potential acquisitions and produce due diligence reports highlighting any risks with the acquisitions and potential mitigations
* Lead the Operational Management workstream during the mobilisation / integration phase for tenders won and acquisitions.
Essential Criteria
* Minimum of a Degree level education or equivalent
* 5 years or more experience at a senior level in a business
* Experience of Passenger Transport Industry either as an Operator, Regulator, Infrastructure Partner or Professional Advisor
* Professional qualifications e.g. Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport or Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation
* Experience of working within the Corporate Governance framework of a sizeable Plc or Public Sector Organisation
* Sound knowledge of the UK bus market.
* Experience of working on bids / tenders (desirable)
* Experience of working in a contracted environment (desirable)
Competencies & Skills
* Self-motivated, having determination and confidence
* Excellent problem-solving skills
* Solid data analysis, interpretation and evaluation abilities.
* Ability to work to deadlines, under pressure
* Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
* Strong Data Analysis and Presentation Skills
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including good presentation and report writing skills