Schedules Manager

First Bus

. Lead the development and optimisation of driver duties and rosters .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeSheffield • United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in workforce planning and optimisation, with a strong focus on scheduling systems and compliance with driver hours legislation. Proven ability to lead and develop scheduling teams while fostering stakeholder engagement and trade union relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership ExperienceWorkforce PlanningScheduling Systems ProficiencyTrade Union NegotiationData Literacy

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Workforce PlanningScheduling OptimisationData LiteracyBudgetingForecastingScheduling PrinciplesCompliance KnowledgeElectric Vehicle Fleet Scheduling

Soft Skills

Stakeholder EngagementCommunication SkillsAbility To Work Under PressureCompeting Priorities Management

Tools & Technologies

OptibusBODSDASTicketer

Industry Keywords

Driver Hours LegislationService Level AgreementsTrade Union EngagementCrisis PlanningContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development and optimisation of driver duties and rosters
Ensure schedules align with operational efficiency, driver wellbeing, and service delivery objectives
Collaborate with Network Planning, Network Process and Governance, Operations, and HR
Support workforce availability, retention, and strategic service objectives
Act as the primary escalation point for trade union engagement on scheduling matters
Ensure compliance with agreements and foster constructive trade union relationships
Ensure adherence to Service Level Agreements and Service Change Checkpoints
Balance workloads and allocate resources across scheduling teams
Contribute to crisis and contingency planning
Drive continuous improvement in scheduling practices
Embed best-in-class tools, software, governance, and performance frameworks
Oversee compliance with driver hours legislation, local agreements, and data submissions including BODS, DAS, and Ticketer
Support integrated tender and franchise bidding processes through scheduling analysis and modelling
Perform other duties commensurate with the role as directed by the UK Head of Schedules
Manage and develop locally aligned Senior Schedulers and Schedulers

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
Experience in workforce planning and optimisation
Proficiency in scheduling systems such as Optibus
Understanding of scheduling principles and constraints
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Trade union negotiation experience
Commercial awareness
Experience contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and tender processes
Knowledge of regulatory and legal frameworks related to driver hours and scheduling compliance
Ability to work in a high-pressured environment and consistently deliver on objectives within timeframe
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and deliver to tight deadlines
Geographical knowledge of the areas of operation and responsibility preferred
Experience managing scheduling for electric vehicle fleets desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost
Cash back benefits across optical & dental
Virtual GP appointments
Mental health support
Nutrition and fitness advice
Employee Assistance Programme offering 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
Financial wellbeing platform with 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
Up to 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme
Chance to buy discounted First Group shares